Speculation: 2024-2025 General Lightning Discussion: Preseason Edition

[Byrddog]

It comes down to what the coaches and front office think is needed. There could be a path to give Laine a shot. It will involve Cirelli as well who has not stepped up his scoring. Teams could use his defense game so he is not untradeable yet. As far as replacing him there is nothing wrong putting Paul in that role. What it would do is front load the top 6 with the offensive talent and the bottom 6 would again be a black hole for scoring.

Would it return the Bolts to be cup favorites no I don’t think it would. It hard to have such a talented core that has cashed in and remain the team to beat. We will probably be a wild card again and get tossed in round 1. I have been as tough on JBB than anyone but he did try to reset but the Cap is just not there until some more of the big contracts fall off.

 

[Outl4w]

I think he'd be a perfect addition, just don't see how we do it.

Sheary,perbix, and some pieces they like. Just doesn't see it happening with the cap unless they would retain and we add more picks and prospects. I'd rather pass or buy low if possible on Laine.

 

[JTBF81]

Many options out there that are better and far less risky than Laine. Vatrano and Kuzmenko are just a couple of names. Moving Cirelli as part of making space, plus a ton of futures for Laine at this point would be one of the absolute worst moves JBB could do. Thankfully, he's not an idiot as GM so a move like that seems unlikely. If Laine could be had with 75% retention and Tampa didn't have to pay through the nose, then maybe; however, I don't see that as being realistic either.

 

[Major4Boarding]

Max retention is 50% I believe

 

[DFC]

Max retention is 50% I believe

He means the double trade where you get two teams to retain 50.

 

[Felonious Python]

He means the double trade where you get two teams to retain 50.

Getting two teams to retain so much for two seasons is quite the thing to ask for.

 

[DFC]

Getting two teams to retain so much for two seasons is quite the thing to ask for.

Yeah, I don't see it happening. I'm just saying that's how it gets to 75%.

 

[LightningStrikes]

Yeah, I don't see it happening. I'm just saying that's how it gets to 75%.

Slow off-season breaking news:

Confirmed: DFC wants Laine in Tampa, says chances of it happening are 75%!

 

[Sky04]

Again Laine makes no sense

- 9 years younger
- would be under contract for only 2 years in case things don't work out (so no anchor contract)
- better 5v5 metrics than Stammer while offering the same PP upside
- could be acquired at a lower cap hit than what Stamkos was asking
- higher ceiling than Stamkos going forward

You can choose

Huh? Stamkos was looking for around 5M and we could've gotten him for nothing. We pay for Laine and extra for retention for a guy who has absolutely no use on his own? The only way he is even going to be remotely effective is if we staple him to Kucherov and why would we do that when Guentzel is a significantly better player.

Oh yeah he's ass defensively and a turnover machine.

 

[Rschmitz]

For all the crap Cirellis contract gets, I would much rather have it than the deal Konecny signed and most people think that was fair.

Laine is too much of a wild card to work at bringing him in. I mean if we had to pay no assets and we could get 75% retained I would consider it, but if Stamkos was made of glass than Laine is a porcelain doll on skates

 

[JoVel]

I don't think people realize how expensive it could be to get a 8.7m caphit at 25%. Teams aren't just going to retain 4 million for fun.

 

[Five Alarm Fire]

We already have Laine at home

 

[Point21]

Much rather pay more for a guy like Foerster, only 22 and is a right handed shot that loves to shoot and can play in Stamkos' spot on the PP

 

[Antiramie]

For all the crap Cirellis contract gets, I would much rather have it than the deal Konecny signed and most people think that was fair.

Laine is too much of a wild card to work at bringing him in. I mean if we had to pay no assets and we could get 75% retained I would consider it, but if Stamkos was made of glass than Laine is a porcelain doll on skates

I'd take Konecny and his higher ceiling over Cirelli. Put the former on a team with a mediocre PP and he's a 40+ goal scorer.

 

[Point21]

 

[Night Shift]

Martin St. Louis gives honest take on Steven Stamkos leaving for Predators

Former Lightning star Martin St. Louis drew on his experiences when speaking about Steven Stamkos joining the Predators.

clutchpoints.com

I agree with Marty. As hard as it is to say goodbye, sometimes change is good for both sides and for Stammer, taking on a new challenge can also be a good thing personally and professionally.

 

[Zwui21]

Quite surprised he was not able to find an NHL team with interest in him.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

We already have Laine at home

View attachment 897521

God I want Huuhtanen to make the NHL in 2025-26 so he can be on our 3rd line 5v5 and PP1 in the Stamkos spot. Could be lethal

 

[Felonious Python]

Quite surprised he was not able to find an NHL team with interest in him.

Even at 32 teams, the league is still not too watered down.

Alex Nylander, JVR, Tony DeAngelo, Tyler Johnson, Tyson Barrie, Dominik Kubalik, Kevin Lankinen, Nick Cousins, Cal Clutterbuck, Oliver Kylington, all looking for NHL deals.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Even at 32 teams, the league is still not too watered down.

Alex Nylander, JVR, Tony DeAngelo, Tyler Johnson, Tyson Barrie, Dominik Kubalik, Kevin Lankinen, Nick Cousins, Cal Clutterbuck, Oliver Kylington, all looking for NHL deals.

Cross Nylander off as he signed a deal in the A with the Marlies.

JVR and Cousins still have some value, Kylington is an interesting reclamation project, but not really needed as we're stocked full on the left side.

 

[Felonious Python]

Cross Nylander off as he signed a deal in the A with the Marlies.

JVR and Cousins still have some value, Kylington is an interesting reclamation project, but not really needed as we're stocked full on the left side.

An AHL deal doesn't prevent an NHL offer.

 

[Outl4w]

Cousins will be solid in the bottom 6 , but we need some guys that can produce goals. He isn't really a need for us, but he is a a proven depth piece for a cup run. Surprised JBburnt didnt offer multiple picks and extension for him like Jeannot from FLA.

 

[Stammertime91]

Cousins will be solid in the bottom 6 , but we need some guys that can produce goals. He isn't really a need a a proven depth piece for a cup run. Surprised Jeannot didnt offer multiple picks and extension for him like Jeannot from FLA.

He's an absolute piece of shit individual. I'd rather dress 11 forwards than see him in a Lightning sweater. Ever. It's one thing to sign a pest like Perry but to sign a cheap shotting prick like Nick Cousins is entirely different. One of the faces in the league I despise and wish would retire early or go to Europe. He's going to end somebody's career the way he plays.

 

[Renopucker]

He's an absolute piece of shit individual. I'd rather dress 11 forwards than see him in a Lightning sweater. Ever. It's one thing to sign a pest like Perry but to sign a cheap shotting prick like Nick Cousins is entirely different. One of the faces in the league I despise and wish would retire early or go to Europe. He's going to end somebody's career the way he plays.

Gotta agree with that. We've had our LiPumas, Tuckers, Downies and others--but nothing like Cousins. Complete Dbag IMO.

 

[Felonious Python]

Cousins played for Kyle Dubas in the Soo (and was their leading scorer).