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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Tampa Bay Lightning
Apr 6, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Josh Archibald (15) skates with the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Lightning Free Agents: Josh Archibald

RW. Pittsburgh Penguins. JOSH ARCHIBALD. C +.

  • Two years, $800,000 per year
  • 2022-23 stats: 62 games played, 12 points

Josh Archibald has played eight seasons in the NHL and has 83 career points.

Nikita Kucherov had 113 points last season alone.

His baseline numbers might make his signing a headscratcher, even if he signed for the bare minimum, but his underlying numbers indicate a player that has the potential to pair well with Glendening.

Last year he had 195 hits, good for 34th in the league despite missing 20 games last season.

He had an on-ice goal share of 56.76%, with high-danger chances favoring Pittsburgh at 60.23% when he was on the ice during even-strength play.

He has a decent enough shot with a career shooting percentage of 13%, but he starts so frequently in his defensive zone that, like Glendening, he doesn’t get to take that many shots of his own.

He is definitely a player that needs to be paired properly to be effective, and coming off a 12-point season, his career low when playing at least 60 games, it is risky to hand out a two-year deal.

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