Bolts by the Bay
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Grading the free agent signings for the Tampa Bay Lightning

By Benjamin Henderson

May 9, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Stars center Luke Glendening (11) passes the puck against the Seattle Kraken during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Stars center Luke Glendening (11) passes the puck against the Seattle Kraken during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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We all knew that change was coming for the Tampa Bay Lightning. With Alex Killorn and Corey Perry getting free-agent deals that they couldn’t refuse, along with Ross Colton becoming too expensive for Tampa to keep, the Bolts were going to have roster turnover.

Tampa was never going to have the salary cap space to go out and make a huge splash, but they still had to restock the roster with somebody.

So we here at Bolts by the Bay are going to grade out the five players Tampa has currently signed for the 2023-24 season, factoring in contract and their expected role with the team.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Luke Glendening

. Dallas Stars. LUKE GLENDENING. B -.

  • Two years, $800,000 per year
  • 2022-23 Stats: 70 games played, six points

Two years ago, when he was a free agent, Glendening was someone high on my list that Tampa needed to go out and sign. Ultimately the Lightning grabbed Pierre-Édouard Bellemare to fill the role of fourth-line center.

Two years later, the Lightning did in fact, grab Glendening at a minimum price.

Glendening still has a job in the NHL for one reason and one reason alone, he still won faceoffs at a rate of 59% in 2022-23. And considering that he took 249 defensive zone faceoffs last season compared to just 131 in the offensive zone, his primary role is going to be puck control while the big boys rest.

But a lot of his other numbers dipped mightily last season. He went from 179 hits to 114, 16 points to six, and had a goal share of just 31.25% (10 goals for and 22 against during even strength), the second lowest of his career.

To be fair, and what ultimately lands him at a B -, is that is overall Corsi number was 48.19%, the highest of his career. Combined with a PDO of 0.965, the second lowest of his career, and a big reason why his numbers seemed so low last season was Dallas as a whole had a team shooting percentage of just 3.80% when he was on the ice last season.

If that number can creep back to a normal 7% or 8%, Glendening can have a productive year as he winds downs his career.

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