The Tampa Bay Lightning‘s offseason is here after their first-round exit to the Florida Panthers. It was a tough way for the Lightning to end their season, but their goal this offseason will be to improve their group.
Steven Stamkos is the biggest Lightning player to watch this offseason. The superstar forward will hit free agency in July if the Lightning don’t sign him to a new deal. However, GM Julien BriseBois established that he had begun talks with No. 91.
While Stamkos needs to be watched closely, the Lightning also have another notable pending UFA about whom they must make a decision: Anthony Duclair.
Duclair, 28, proved to be an outstanding fit in the Lightning’s top six after being acquired by the club at the deadline. In 17 regular-season games as a Bolt this campaign, he had eight goals and 15 points. He then followed that up with two helpers in five postseason games.
While Duclair slowed down a tad during the playoffs, he’s still a playeR they should be considering bringing back. They have limited cap space heading into the summer, but they should not be against the prospect of moving out a contract if it means keeping Duclair. The fit between him and Tampa was excellent, so let’s see if the Bolts keep him around from here.