Tampa Bay Lightning in Need of New Net-Front Presence

The departures from the Tampa Bay Lightning this summer have been well documented. From multiple Stanley Cup champions to great locker room guys, the Lightning will look much different next season. One of the biggest vacancies left behind will be players going to the front of the net, specifically on the power play.

The Lightning power play is usually among the best in the NHL, in large part to the high quality of skill players they have. One of the underrated cogs on their top power play unit for years was

Alex Killorn

who was typically the primary net-front guy on the Lightning’s top unit. He was a very strong body who went to the front of the net but also had high quality skill that allowed him to excel with other top players, making him a very affective player in this role.

In addition to Killorn, Corey Perry was also a fixture at the front of the net on Tampa Bay’s power play, typically on the second unit. Perry accounted for six power play goals in each of his two seasons with the Lightning. Almost all of them came from in tight and right in front of the net.

Even

Pat Maroon

saw time over the years on the Lightning power play at the front of the net, typically with the second unit as well. He was standing right in front of Dallas’ Anton Khudobin on one of the most significant power play goals in Lightning history.

To say the least, many of the guys who played this sort of role on the power play are no longer here and Tampa Bay will have to weigh their options and there are some to work with.

1. Anthony Cirelli

Cirelli is a leading candidate for this sort of role because he has worked with the Lightning’s top power play unit in the past. He is also a gritty, tough player who fits the sort of identity that they would be looking for. His familiarity with playing with many of the top players certainly does not hurt him.

One thing that hurts Cirelli’s chances is how much time he gets on the penalty kill and other defensive situations. If Cirelli was to see regular power play time, he would probably become a top two forward in time on ice among Lightning forwards. Spot duty or working with the second unit may be more likely than sticking him on the top unit full time.

2. Brandon Hagel

Hagel would be an intriguing option to play at the front of the net on the top Lightning power play because he has the highest skill level of anybody else who would be available. He has worked with the top unit in spurts but of course is a top-line player so he is used to playing with the top guys.

While Hagel is very highly skilled, he does not have the typical physical build of somebody in this role despite being a very gritty player.  At just under 6’0, Hagel does not necessarily jump out as the typical sort of presence to go and take away a goalie’s eyes, but his skill level makes him a potential option.

3. Nick Paul

Nick Paul presents the first of two options that fit the mold of the prototypical “net-front guys. At 6’3 and over 220 pounds, Paul could potentially find himself getting a chance with one of the Lightning’s power play units. While also playing at center, going to the front of the net would not be a foreign role for Paul.

Similar to Cirelli, Paul also has been a key member of the Lightning’s penalty kill. The addition of Luke Glendening could potentially alleviate some of the penalty killing burden on Paul and allow him more opportunity on the power play.

4. Tanner Jeannot

The Lightning’s newest man under contract, Tanner Jeannot could even find himself an increased role if able to join in on the Lightning power play. Many are expecting a bounce-back season for Jeannot with increased production in his first full season in Tampa. There is no questioning how tough Jeannot is and at 6’2 and over 200 pounds, Jeannot would be a very difficult body to move out of the way.

While Jeannot does have the physical build of somebody who can go to the net, he does not have a ton of power play experience. He has just two power play goals in his career and both came in his rookie year in Nashville in which he scored 24 total goals in 2021-22.

In all likelihood, Tampa Bay will  probably give multiple players a chance and rotate players in and out to see what works. Right now, there is not one person who stands out to immediately to step into Killorn’s role on the top power play. Our poll also solved nothing, so we will have to wait.