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Projecting the forward lines for the 2023-24 Tampa Bay Lightning

By Benjamin Henderson

Apr 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) celebrates with center Steven Stamkos (91), center Brayden Point (21), defenseman Victor Hedman (77) and right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) after he scores a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of game four of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) celebrates with center Steven Stamkos (91), center Brayden Point (21), defenseman Victor Hedman (77) and right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) after he scores a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of game four of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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With inevitable roster turnover on the horizon for the Tampa Bay Lightning, it’s tricky to project what the 2023-24 edition of the Bolts will look like.

We know that even once the roster is set, the forward lines will still be fluid as injuries and style changes are needed as the season progresses. But we are going to try and project what the most realistic lines are for next season.

Tampa Bay Lightning: 2022-23 Lines

Before we project the lines for next season, let us be reminded of last season’s primary lines. Jon Cooper had eight different forward line combinations that played at least 100 minutes together during 5 v 5 play during the regular season:

Line 1 (613 minutes)

  • Point
  • Kucherov
  • Hagel

Line 2 (300 minutes)

  • Point
  • Stamkos
  • Kucherov

Line 3 (263 minutes)

  • Killorn
  • Paul
  • Stamkos

Line 4 (209 minutes)

  • Maroon
  • Paul
  • Colton

Line 5 (189 minutes)

  • Killorn
  • Cirelli
  • Stamkos

Line 6 (171 minutes)

  • Perry
  • Bellemare
  • Namestnikov

Line 7 (147 minutes)

  • Killorn
  • Cirelli
  • Hagel

Line 8 (119 minutes)

  • Maroon
  • Bellemare
  • Perry

For 2023-24, there is a good chance that Killorn, Colton, Bellemare, or Perry don’t return, so we are also doing some guesswork here. But based on instincts and salary cap realities, here is what we here at Bolts by the Bay anticipate the four main forward lines for the Lightning to be next season.

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