3 Biggest Questions For Last Week of Lightning Pre-Season
By Henry Yoho
2. Forward Spot up For Grabs
With Anthony Cirelli expected to miss the first several months of the season, that means that there is a spot in the lineup that is open for the taking by somebody who was not around a season ago.
With the Lightning placing Gemel Smith and Alex Barre-Boulet on waivers, Gabriel Fortier and Cole Koepke appear to be in line to round out the lineup. Which one of them will dress opening night will be determined in the next week.
Among those on NHL waivers today: Olli Juolvei (ANA), Alex Barre-Boulet (TB), Gemel Smith (TB), Kevin Stenlund (WPG).
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 3, 2022
Fortier appeared in 10 games last season with Tampa Bay and scored his first goal in the NHL on December 21st in Vegas. Koepke played in 69 games last season with the Syracuse Crunch in his first season as a full time pro. Koepke joined the Lightning as an extra body on their ride to the cup a season ago. If I had to guess right now, I would say Koepke is the favorite at the moment and could even find himself in the top six.