Bolts by the Bay
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What is the best squad possible of former Tampa Bay Lightning players?

By Benjamin Henderson|
May 1, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Ondrej Palat (18) skates with the puck while being defended by New York Rangers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Ondrej Palat (18) skates with the puck while being defended by New York Rangers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
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Tampa Bay Lightning
Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27). Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Lightning First Defensive Pair

  • Ryan McDonagh (Nashville – 2 goals, 18 assists)
  • David Savard (Montreal – 3 goals, 17 assists)

Ryan McDonagh was a rock solid member of the blue line for parts of five seasons in Tampa after coming over at the trade deadline in 2018. Salary cap realities forced him to Nashville in the offseason.

Savard came over as a rental in the 2021 season at the trade deadline and provided valuable depth along the blue line.

Both are still sturdy defensemen and Tampa could have really used either of them this season and the blue line got young very quickly.

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