Tampa Bay Lightning Free Agent Fit This Offseason – Hockey Writers –

The Tampa Bay Lightning are in position to make some solid additions to the roster this offseason. They have cap space and can address some key needs. Let’s look at three possible fits.

Each of these three potential free agent additions will be based on what was discussed in the previous story about the Lightning’s fixed needs this offseason. Transactions since that story was published will also play a role, as will the salary scale.

This is to avoid just grabbing all the free guests and saying “let’s ride.” That’s not how list building works. Being at least somewhat realistic is a must.

That being said, I treat this thought experiment as if all three are signed. That’s because I want to challenge myself to make four free agent signings work. The Lightning currently have $13,170,001 in cap space.

One rule is that I will be avoiding restricted free agents. Pushing that lightning give someone a sheet sounds like an unlikely proposition, so I skip it altogether.

John Carlson, Defender

• Previous team: Anaheim Ducks (mid-season acquisition from the Washington Capitals)
• Previous episode: $8 million
• Last season’s stats: 71 games, 14 goals, 46 assists, 60 points, 106 blocked shots, 26 hits, 3.9 defensive points share (DPS)

This has been discussed at home before. The Lightning need some depth on defense, and it will probably take an addition or two.

Even in his mid-30s, John Carlson is still a force to be reckoned with on defense. He is also a right-handed shot, something that is the backbone of the Lightning’s defense.

Of those still under contract, Erik Cernak and Max Crozier are on the right. Darren Raddysh, one of their top defensemen last season, fits the bill, but now, he’s a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even if they bring back Declan Carlile out of necessity, he is another left-back.

Carlson can fill that gap, even if he is six years older than Raddysh, who is 30. He has a long record that could be worth a shot, and it would be a short-term deal.

Previously, he earned $8 million per season. If he wants that again, let the Heavenly Light go. But if he can accept something within two years, $10 million, or an annualized average value (AAV) of $5 million, negotiations could continue.

Logan Stanley, Defensemen

• Previous team: Buffalo Sabers (acquired in midseason trade with Winnipeg Jets)
• Previous episode: $1.25 million
• Last season’s stats: 76 games, nine goals, 17 assists, 26 points, 84 blocked shots, 110 hits, 3.2 DPS

This one took a thought. Obviously, there are strong contenders, especially Rasmus Andersson. However, having Carlson and Andersson feels very absurd. Andersson’s cap hit will only go up, and he’ll likely be committed for a long time.

It would be difficult to match the cap hits of other options, such as Jacob Trouba. Brent Burns is 41 years old. This is not a team that needs potential storyline additions to the Tony DeAngelo saga.

This decision-making led me to Logan Stanley. He played in at least 63 games the past two seasons and played in 76 last season. It was a tall order, but he could get the benefit of the doubt. At 6-foot-7, 231 pounds, he brings a big presence to the ice.

He’s another lefty shot, but he’s given good results with a little hitting. Let’s be honest again: Good luck signing two right backs. That cap hit will probably go up, but it will probably go up by a manageable amount. Let’s say, for example, $2.5 million. That can give lightning the power to deal with other needs.

That’s right, that’s $8 million in used space. Let’s see what can be done with the remaining $5 million.

Jack Roslovic, Center

• Previous team: Edmonton Oilers
• Previous episode: $1.5 million
• Last season’s stats: 21 goals, 15 assists, 36 points

Roslovic could be an interesting player to work with for the title. He has been looking for a long-term contract for some time, and has been with four different teams in the last three seasons.

Maybe Nyazi can sneak in and offer a two or three year contract. He won’t need a big hit and could be locked in at $3.5 million per season at the high end. He can provide scoring depth as a third-line center.

There are more experienced options out there, like Boone Jenner, but overall, it’s a small market in general, let alone in this position. He wouldn’t be a savior on the power play, but it’s a position of need. The Lightning have options for who to remove the face, but they need another option when their primary position is in the middle. They have Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, but after that, it’s a bit of a pick.

As you can see, there is some emphasis on adding protection. That’s where they have the fewest options at home, and that’s where they were hurt the most last season. In a small market without agents, important things need to be known, and that influences the choice.

Yes, it would be an achievement to sign even one of them because freelancing is a game. However, this at least provided a thought test of who could make sense.