Sit back and relax as we take a look at some of the Tampa Bay Lightning headlines making waves today and a glimpse at what’s going on around the NHL.
The off-season has been a rather interesting time for the Tampa Bay Lightning and their fans. While the players may not be on the ice taking on their opponents and fighting for yet another chance to play for Lord Stanley’s Cup, there has been more than a fair share of excitement, and even some questions, spreading here in the Bolts Nation.
As most of you know by now, Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman has had his hands full this off-season. The Lightning had a plethora of contracts that needed to be worked out before the start of the 2016-17 season, and from what we have seen Yzerman has done a pretty good job of getting things done in a timely and efficient manner.
The first order of business was securing players like Lightning captain Steven Stamkos and defenseman Victor Hedman to eight-year contract extensions. This heroic feat was followed by Yzerman signing center Alex Killorn to a seven-year contract extension.
Tampa Bay Lightning
For the most part, Yzerman has done an incredible job of keeping the Tampa Bay Lightning’s central core intact. Unfortunately, there are still some pieces to the puzzle that haven’t been put into place just yet. The Tampa Bay Lightning are still in negotiations with players like Nikita Kucherov and Nikita Nesterov.
As much as many here in the Bolts Nation wish Kucherov was nailed down for a long-term contract like Stamkos and Hedman, there is one simple thing most fans are not taking into consideration. There are many facets to a contract that don’t necessarily depend on the almighty dollar. In order to make this into a simpler answer, these things take time. Nikita Kucherov’s contract will work itself in time. (Bolts By The Bay)
Speaking of the aforementioned Russian defenseman, it seems as if Nikita Nesterov’s contract situation is still in a state of limbo. According to Steve Yzerman, he has been in contact with Nesterov’s people and expects to eventually be able to sign the Lightning defenseman; however, questions still loom in the minds of some here in the Bolts Nation. (Bolts By The Bay)
The off-season may be moving at a fairly decent pace this season, but unfortunately, it is still just that…the off-season. Tampa Bay Lightning fans are chomping at the bit for the new season to start and the opportunity to watch their team play for another chance to fight for the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, there are still a couple of months to wait. In the meantime, our friends over at Raw Charge have taken a moment to look back at some of their favorite moments of the 2015-16 season. (Raw Charge)
As most Lightning fans know all-too-well, when the team first entered the off-season, there were many questions left unanswered and many contracts left to be signed. Now that some of the aforementioned questions are beginning to find their answers, Bolts fans are anxiously awaiting to see which direction the team will be taking next season. Erik Erlendsson over at Lightning Shout takes a look at the progress and how all the pieces to the puzzle are starting to neatly fall into place. (Lightning Shout)
News Around The National Hockey League
It seems as if things are really starting to heat up in Las Vegas, and we don’t mean along the strip. It seems preparations for their newly awarded expansion franchise have kicked into high gear. Over at the T-Mobile Arena, where the new team will call home, has already started installing their ice surface. Soon, the National Hockey League will have a new opponent to take on each season. (NHL.com)
As with any professional sport, there is always a chance of injury. Even the most skilled players in all walks of sports have the one moment when something out of their control causes them to miss time away from the game due to various injuries. One of the most gleaming injuries to come to light are concussions.
Unfortunately, they do not discriminate against different sports, sexes, or anything else that may separate people. According to US Senator Richard Blumenthal, Gary Bettman has been rather hesitant to take a position on the matter and has officially called out the NHL Commissioner demanding a response. (SI.com)
The Detroit Red Wings, who the Tampa Bay Lightning will face on October 13th in the Lightning Home Opener at the Amalie Arena, have just made strides towards securing the future of their team between the pipes. The Red Wings have avoided arbitration with goaltender Petr Mrazek and signed him to a new two-year deal. (FanSided)
As you can imagine, there are other teams in the National Hockey League besides the Tampa Bay Lightning preparing for the 2016-17. Each team in the NHL has players in need of new contracts and others who will be finding new homes for the upcoming season. The Toronto Maple Leafs have made quite a few moves over the course of the last week, including the signing of Peter Holland and Frank Corrado. (Editor In Leaf)
Next: Nikita Kucherov Contract Will Work Out In Time
Each day that passes brings us one day closer to the start of the 2016-17 season. The Tampa Bay Lightning will have quite the challenge in front of them, starting with day one. Thankfully, with someone like Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman by their side, they should be in a good position when the puck drops to start the season.