Tampa Bay Lightning: Morning Bolts News Updates
As the off-season gets into full swing, we take a closer look at what is going on in the world of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the National Hockey League right now.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and the remainder of the National Hockey League, at least those not named the Pittsburgh Penguins and/or San Jose Sharks, have made their way into the off-season. As each day passes by, we get closer and closer to events like the 2016 NHL Draft, the 2016 NHL Awards, and the 2016 NHL Free Agency Period looming off in the distance.
Whether Lightning fans want to admit it or not, the next two seasons are going to see a number of changes, both on and off the ice. The simple fact is, the way things stand, the Lightning simply doesn’t have the cap space to pay everyone on the team who is deserving of more money.
On the bright side, if there is anyone who will be able to find a beneficial resolution to this situation, it’ll be Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman. Since making his way to the Bolts Nation, Yzerman has done an excellent job of grooming the young talent the Lightning has and building a successful team in both the present and the future.
While hockey fans sit back in their seats and wait to learn the destiny of their favorite teams, we take a step towards the chaos to see what is going on right now both here in the Bolts Nation and around the National Hockey League.
One of the most compelling storylines throughout the entire season has been the impending Free Agency Status of Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos. Does the young sniper want to remain in Tampa Bay? What other teams are looking to sign him? Do the Lightning even want to re-sign him? Furthermore, how much will it cost the Lightning to make him stay? We take a closer look at the latter. (Bolts By The Bay)
In most cases, the measure of a player is pretty black and white. If you’re a forward, your worth is usually determined by the number of points you can bring your team over the course of the season. If you’re a defenseman, your worth is judged by a number of shots you block and the hits you make.
Unfortunately for those who prefer the black and white, there are some players who simply can’t be measured by their statistics. Their work transcends that of the typical hockey player. The Tampa Bay Lightning has one of those very same players on the roster right now, Lightning alternate captain Ryan Callahan. (Lightning Shout)
As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare to kick off their preseason schedule on September 27th, there is another team here in the Bolts Nation who is preparing to lace up their skates and kick off the 2016-17 season with a bang, the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.
The difference between the two is the Crunch are a little closer to getting their regular season schedule set in stone. The Syracuse Crunch already know when their home opener will be as well as a few keys dates in which the guarantee will be home games for the Lightning’s developmental squad. (Syracuse Crunch)
News Around The National Hockey League
Despite the Tampa Bay Lightning’s early exit from the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, there are still two teams fighting for the right to hold the Stanley Cup high above their heads. The Pittsburgh Penguins and their captain Sidney Crosby are hoping to seal the deal against captain Joe Pavelski and the San Jose Sharks.
Things definitely look grim for the Sharks, who currently find themselves at a 3-1 deficit to the Eastern Conference Champions. There are some teams who would be ready to throw in the towel and put their hands up in the air. Unfortunately for the Penguins, the Sharks are not ready to give up just yet. (NHL.com)
Much as the Tampa Bay Lightning are facing a number of difficult decisions in the off-season, like the impending Free Agent status of captain Steven Stamkos, there are other teams in the NHL who are faced with a very similar situation. Surprisingly enough, one of those teams is the former Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
Related Story: How Much Will It Take To Re-Sign Steven Stamkos?
There are rumors floating around the Blackhawks could use forward Teuvo Teravainen as a pawn in the trade game during the off-season. On the flip side, there are some people who believe the young Finnish forward is simply not up for grabs. Here is a closer look at why Blackhawk Up Staff Writer Mario Tirabassi is on board with the latter statement. (Blackhawk Up)
One of the many teams in the National Hockey League who are looking to rebuild their team from the ground up heading into next season is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Of course, we all know they have their eyes on the real prize, which is Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos. Whether they will actually win the king’s ransom is yet to be seen.
At the same time, they have to prepare for other scenarios as well. Right now, the Maple Leafs have plenty of young players in their arsenal who could be used to gain some standing in terms of acquiring the talent needed to restore their glory. Editor In Leaf Editor Tim Chiasson takes a closer look at some of these young players and points out which players may fit the bill and be used as a means to help the team. (Editor In Leaf)
Next: Top 5 Draft Picks The Tampa Bay Lightning Should Pursue
As each day passes by, we get closer and closer to one of the most turbulent times of the season. Normally, this would be a time of great anxiety for a hockey fan. The good news is, with someone like Steve Yzerman at the helm of the Tampa Bay Lightning, we have faith he will do everything he can to build a stronger and even better team for the 2016-17 season. As it stands now, In Yzerman We Trust.