Speculation: 2024-2025 General Lightning Discussion II: "Atlanticly" challenged

[JTBF81]

It's not that we couldn't, I just think we shouldn't, this is a weird year to be throwing around a lot of assets at upgrades. Some value deals like last year where we gave up some middling stuff sure, but we aren't really playing like JBB should go out and make a big splash to put us over the top. I think I'm one of the more optimistic people on here, but we should hold our cards for now, when our outlook is better we can go in on bigger moves.

Having said that, I'd be all in on on the right deal. The same criteria doesn't apply if we're talking about young stars. The Hagel deal is probably the best move we've made in the last 20 years, would be pretty sweet to find another deal like that.

I have little doubt that JBB sees them as a cup contender this year, and two small bad stretches this month doesn't change that. I think there's a decent chance he goes after one big name, whether that's a top F like Nelson, Boeser, etc, or a.prominent dman such as Pettersson or Andersson, who knows. If he can address the F core with two middle 6 adds that maybe cost less, that could work as well, but JBB isn't likely to hold on to a pick or prospect if adding them means he gets the player(s) he feels gives them the best chance to win.

Last year the team didn't really look like a contender, but thus season, most of the stats indicate otherwise. Once the defense is back to full strength, I expect things will improve considerably there as well. The team is too talented to not continue to go for it every year while the main core is in their primes (unless it's just a year where injuries or like last year, a re-tool on the fly was needed).

 

[Rschmitz]

I have little doubt that JBB sees them as a cup contender this year, and two small bad stretches this month doesn't change that. I think there's a decent chance he goes after one big name, whether that's a top F like Nelson, Boeser, etc, or a.prominent dman such as Pettersson or Andersson, who knows. If he can address the F core with two middle 6 adds that maybe cost less, that could work as well, but JBB isn't likely to hold on to a pick or prospect if adding them means he gets the player(s) he feels gives them the best chance to win.

Last year the team didn't really look like a contender, but thus season, most of the stats indicate otherwise. Once the defense is back to full strength, I expect things will improve considerably there as well. The team is too talented to not continue to go for it every year while the main core is in their primes (unless it's just a year where injuries or like last year, a re-tool on the fly was needed).

Well, Moser should be back well before the TDL, so we'll see.

I think the one thing being glossed over is our cap space, we'll need retention just to acquire a single impact player, I think two is out of bounds. The only other option would be to acquire young guys on cheap deals.

 

[JTBF81]

Well, Moser should be back well before the TDL, so we'll see.

I think the one thing being glossed over is our cap space, we'll need retention just to acquire a single impact player, I think two is out of bounds. The only other option would be to acquire young guys on cheap deals.

They'll need retention, but almost every impact player at the deadline comes with it. Tampa will have approx 4.6 available, not counting any space on top of that in salary that may go the other way. They could definitely add at least one ~5 million player and one 3-4 million, or a couple 2 million or so types depending on who is moved and how creative JBB is.

 

[Rschmitz]

They'll need retention, but almost every impact player at the deadline comes with it. Tampa will have approx 4.6 available, not counting any space on top of that in salary that may go the other way. They could definitely add at least one ~5 million player and one 3-4 million, or a couple 2 million or so types depending on who is moved and how creative JBB is.

For 1 year rentals definitely, for some of the guys we are looking at with multiple years left, it becomes difficult. It's one of the reasons I think we go after soon to be RFA guys, rather than paying for retention.

 

[bov]

Will Cuylle would be great, obviously Rangers have no logical reason to move him but it would be on brand for TB to make a move out of left field while paying a hefty price. Maybe sneak their way into the JT Miller stuff to help facilitate somehow, some way if those two teams can't get it done on their own.

 

[JTBF81]

For 1 year rentals definitely, for some of the guys we are looking at with multiple years left, it becomes difficult. It's one of the reasons I think we go after soon to be RFA guys, rather than paying for retention.

It's rare to get impact rfa's at the deadline, since they are usually not for sale (not impossible though). Guys with a lot of term usually aren't retained, yeah; however, if it's a player with just one more year after this one, then chances are better something cam be worked out. Bjorkstrand still comes to mind in this range, but I have doubts that Seattle is really interested in moving him.

 

[DarrylshutzSydor]

My favorite team, the Bolts, will be out in the first round. I hope I eat my words.

They would be better to gear up for the future.

 

[Rschmitz]

Will Cuylle, Tyson Foerster, Morgan Frost, Jake Neighbours, Phillip Broberg

 

[LightningStrikes]

Boston, Montreal and Ottawa all have a chance to (temporarily) jump us in the standings tonight.

Best possible outcome took place I guess: Both Detroit and Boston won in regulation. Boston has jumped us (leads by 1 point) but we have 4 games in hand on them.

We’re 1 point ahead of Ottawa and Montreal and have 2 games in hand. Now we just need to win some too.