2023 Tampa Bay Lightning Offseason Part 1

Team: 2023-24 Tampa Bay Lightning

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 30, 2023

Published: May 9, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

A much needed long offseason. Now we're just waiting for the other shoe's to drop.

As pieces get signed or not signed, we will be able to see the full roster come into focus.

Ace gets a regular role next year. Likely starts in the bottom 6 but I truly think he has potential to be a top 6 player. He had great chemistry and output playing with Point and Kucherov in limited time. Hagel very likely moves back to 1LW with those two for the majority of next season. But I think Eyssimont should be given looks throughout the year, whether it's on the 1st or 2nd line.

In a perfect world, Colton, Paul and Jeannot become a deadly bruising third line. Provided they are able to be resigned.

Hate to see it but Killorn is out the door. Unless he makes chump change for his caliber next season and wants the years, he's gone. Even with keeping him extra cheap, our depth will be weak.

Bring back Bellemare and Perry. Best case the chemistry and leadership of the 4th line is enough to keep them in the lineup. Worst case they hit waivers and we bring up more young guns.

I want to give guys in Cuse a look no question. But with Jeannot coming in, Eyssimont, and possibly 2 spots on the 4th line, that's a third of the forward group being basically brand new. That doesn't feel all that settling. You don't want to shut guys out and not give them an opportunity, but you also don't want to put too much faith into the unknown. I say bring the 2 back on league min-ish deals.

Does Cole take a pay cut to stay in a good environment? He is too expensive to keep him at a realistic cap hit. He is still a VERY solid top 4 defenseman on any team. In reality, someone should pay him closer to 4 mil for his services. But does he take less than 2 ish mil to run it back?

Obviously I would really like to keep Cole, but worst case scenario, Hayden Fluery deserves a shot as a regular. I thought he played really good in his role last year and progressed as the season went along.

Hugo gets a regular gig as backup or if he can't handle it, you bring in a guy for less than 1 mil. Moose is probably gone. I would try another option behind Vasy even If Elliott wants to return. Vasy should be at or sub 55 next season.

Colton doesn't get a long term deal. He doesn't want to cement himself into a Nick Paul situation so he takes a raise at 1 or 2 years and if he breaks out further, then he gets paid, whether that's in Tampa or somewhere else. Can't see him getting a long term deal at this stage in his career although that would greatly benefit the team. I pray to god Jeannot doesn't get a long term extension. It could pan out if he returns to form and we have him cheap for long term, but it's too much of a gamble with him not finding his game thus far. 1 or 2 years with a raise, I don't think the 2 mil range is there for him yet. At least not here.