As the off-season approaches its end, let’s take a closer look at some of the top Tampa Bay Lightning headlines as well as some other news from around the NHL.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It looks as if it’s going to be another rainy day here in the Bolts Nation today. It looks like things are going to get kind of crazy around 11:00 a.m., so definitely be prepared for that.
Speaking of storms, it’s almost time for our favorite time of the year. In just a matter of weeks, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be right back here in the Bolts Nation to kick off the 2016-17 National Hockey League season.
If you are like us here at Bolts By The Bay and have been keeping track of the days remaining in the off-season, you are probably well aware there are just 43 days away from the first official puck drop of the season. We are now under a month and a half away from hockey. Well, unless you count the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Tampa Bay Lightning
As we all prepare to weather the coming storm, let’s take a look at some of the top Tampa Bay Lightning headlines making their way around the Bolts Nation as well as some other news from around the remainder of the National Hockey League.
Throughout the course of the off-season, Bolts By The Bay Contributor William Clewis has been taking a closer look at each of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Atlantic Division opponents, analyzing their major transactions, draft picks, and so on, determining how these decisions will impact their upcoming season.
In the latest edition of his on-going series, he takes a closer look at a familiar foe, the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres have made quite the turnaround over the last few seasons, but after losing the Jimmy Vesey sweepstakes there are plenty of questions to be answered. (Bolts By The Bay)
Just in case you have been living under a rock for a majority of the off-season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been holding a little competition they like to call Best of the Bolts. After some fierce competition between some of the most amazing moments of the season, the competition has been nailed down to the Final Four.
If you want to cast your vote for your favorite moment of the series, which in this bracket breaks down to “Extra Attacker Sinks The Islanders” and “Stopping An Avalanche,” you’d better hurry. Voting for Matchup 1 ends at noon today. (Tampa Bay Lightning)
As some of you may have heard by now, there are an abundant amount of rumors making their way across the hockey world that Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop may find himself in a different jersey in the 2017-18 season.
must read: Tampa Bay Lightning Year In Review: Kristers Gudevskis
There are many factors that would play into a situation like this; cap space, contract negotiations, the expansion draft, and much more. Mike Halford over at Pro Hockey Talk seem to think Big Ben’s time in the Bolts Nation is a bit of uncertainty right now. Here’s a closer look at his breakdown of the situation. (Pro Hockey Talk)
Every off-season there are changes to be made throughout the National Hockey League. Some of those changes involve players finding a new home for the upcoming season while other situations may find players securing their future right where they are.
For one former Tampa Bay Lightning player, the first option is the one to come into play this off-season. According to Joe McDonald, a hockey writer for ESPN.com, former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Dominic Moore will be joining the Boston Bruins next season after signing a one-year, one-way contract worth $900,000. (ESPN)
New From Around The National Hockey League
Tampa Bay Lightning fans were in a state of frenzy when the NHL Trade Deadline had come to pass and the Lightning still had not come to terms with Lightning captain Steven Stamkos on a new contract for the upcoming season. As the days pressed on, things became even more chaotic.
Thankfully, this pandemonium came to an end when Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman was able to sign Stamkos to an eight-year contract extension. Unfortunately for Calgary Flames fans, there is still some uncertainty whether or not their captain will be back for the coming season. (NHL.com)
Most of the time, when the off-season comes about, the biggest storylines revolve around player trades, free agent signings, and things that pertain to a team’s on-ice game. At the same time, situations evolve where there are some changes (and renewals) behind the bench and in the office.
This is exactly what the Carolina Hurricanes are experiencing right now. According to our friends over at Puck Prose, Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Ron Francis an extension that will see him through the 2018-19 season. (Puck Prose)
must read: Tampa Bay Lightning Year In Review: Tye McGinn
As the off-season comes to a close, there are still some players throughout the National Hockey League who haven’t secured their home for the upcoming 2016-17 season. In the Bolts Nation, all eyes are on the contract status of Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, who are still in the middle of a massive rebuild, have more than a few players who have not yet signed on the dotted line. Our friends over at Editor In Leaf have taken a closer look at the Maple Leafs’ remaining free agents and broke down the impact (if any) they could have on their team. (Editor In Leaf)
One of the most important things for any line in the National Hockey League is chemistry. Don’t believe us? Take a closer look at the chemistry between Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, and Nikita Kucherov on the ice and tell me what kind of impact they have when they’re on the ice.
Unfortunately for Boston Bruins for David Krejci, he has had quite a bit of difficult finding a line he melds effectively with. Our friends over at Causeway Crowd have taken a look at some of the players on the Bruins and broken down which of those players could be a good fit with Krejci. (Causeway Crowd)
Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Year In Review: Andrei Vasilevskiy
The off-season is quickly coming to a close. There are still many questions left unanswered by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hopefully, we will get some of those answers once the 2016 World Cup of Hockey comes to pass. Only time will tell what the future holds for this young franchise. Hopefully, it involves some new hardware at the end of the season.