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Lightning

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Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) congratulates his teammates as they exit the ice after a 6-2 victory over the Blue Jackets at Amalie Arena on March 4.
Bring on Panthers, outdoors: Highlights of Lightning’s 2025-26 schedule
With the regular-season slate out, we take a look at some dates you should circle.
Lightning’s emphasis on bottom-6 forward depth creates more competition
GM Julien BriseBois on forward Jack Finley: "He’s been that penalty kill, right-shot faceoff guy who excels in the dot, and we’re going to give him the opportunity to grow into that role at the NHL level.”
There might not be many roster spots available, but there will be many notable names to pick from when the team needs a forward.
Could new Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly be the next Anthony Cirelli?
Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly, acquired this week from the Oilers for Isaac Howard, has won two straight Robertson Cups and the Memorial Cup this past season with the OHL’s London Knights.
Even before he was traded to Tampa Bay, O’Reilly drew comparisons to the team’s top matchup center.
Lightning trade top prospect Isaac Howard to Oilers
Isaac Howard opted not to sign with the Lightning after a junior season at Michigan State in which he led Division I players in points per game and won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player.
Tampa Bay sends the 2022 first-round pick’s rights to Edmonton for the Oilers’ top selection from 2024.

Latest

  1. Rays’ All-Star performance also was special for the organization
    • Lightning
    The Rays boasted four All-Stars in Atlanta, though only three played. From left, Jonathan Aranda, Brandon Lowe (injured), Drew Rasmussen and Junior Caminero.
  2. Bring on Panthers, outdoors: Highlights of Lightning’s 2025-26 schedule
    • Lightning
    Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) congratulates his teammates as they exit the ice after a 6-2 victory over the Blue Jackets at Amalie Arena on March 4.
  3. Lightning’s emphasis on bottom-6 forward depth creates more competition
    • Lightning
    GM Julien BriseBois on forward Jack Finley: "He’s been that penalty kill, right-shot faceoff guy who excels in the dot, and we’re going to give him the opportunity to grow into that role at the NHL level.”
  5. Could new Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly be the next Anthony Cirelli?
    • Lightning
    Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly, acquired this week from the Oilers for Isaac Howard, has won two straight Robertson Cups and the Memorial Cup this past season with the OHL’s London Knights.
  6. Lightning trade top prospect Isaac Howard to Oilers
    • Lightning
    Isaac Howard opted not to sign with the Lightning after a junior season at Michigan State in which he led Division I players in points per game and won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player.
  7. Lightning prospect Ethan Gauthier ready to take next step into pro hockey
    • Lightning
    Forward prospect Ethan Gauthier enters the dressing room after leaving the ice during the Lightning's development camp last Wednesday at TGH Ice Plex in Brandon. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of Conor Geekie and Gage Goncalves, former training camp linemates who became key contributors for the Lightning this past season.
  8. 2-time Stanley Cup champion Tyler Johnson announces his retirement
    • Sports
    Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) celebrates with teammate Mathieu Joseph after scoring during Game.3 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens in Montreal.
  9. Lightning hire former scout Jeff Tambellini as assistant GM
    • Lightning
    Jeff Tambellini (15), playing for the New York Islanders, battles the Lightning's Jason Ward for the puck during a 2007 game in Tampa. Tambellini on Monday was named Lightning assistant general manager and director of hockey operations.
  10. Lightning might not have made a splash, but they have a plan
    • Lightning
    Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois may not have made big moves in free agency, but in an evolving market he is setting up for long-term opportunities.
  11. A more seasoned group of Lightning prospects shine in development camp
    • Lightning
    Lightning forward prospect Noah Steen (74) celebrates his goal during a 3-on-3 tournament at development camp on Thursday.
  12. Goaltending prospect Harrison Meneghin battles on after family loss
    • Lightning
    Lightning goalie prospect Harrison Meneghin makes a save while in net at development camp on Wednesday in Brandon.
  13. Lightning target untapped potential in free-agent signings
    • Lightning
    Pontus Holmberg likely will slot into the fourth-line center role for the Lightning, but he also can play the wing position.
  14. Free agency: Lightning re-sign Gage Goncalves to 2-year deal
    • Lightning
    The Lightning were pleased by Gage Goncalves's growth as one of their top two-way players by season's end.
  15. Lightning hit roadblock in trying to trade top prospect Isaac Howard
    • Lightning
    Michigan State's Isaac Howard, the Lightning's top draft pick in 2022, led NCAA Division I skaters in points per game this past season and won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey.
  16. Lightning draft defense-first center Ethan Czata with 1st pick, in 2nd round
    • Lightning
    The Lightning selected 18-year-old center Ethan Czata of OHL Niagara with their first draft pick, No. 56 overall in the second round. He immediately drew comparisons to Tampa Bay's Brandon Hagel.
  17. We take a look ahead as Lightning approach NHL free agency
    • Lightning
    “We’re going to do everything we can to have as strong a roster as possible,” Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said during the team's end-of-season availability in May.
  18. 84-game season among changes coming to NHL as part of new labor deal
    • Sports
    The Florida Panthers' Brad Marchand celebrates with fans during the team's Stanley Cup championship celebration Sunday in Fort Lauderdale.
  19. Top NHL draft prospect Matthew Schaefer stays positive despite grief and injury
    • Sports
    Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, right, and forward Michael Misa, NHL Central Scouting's top two North American draft prospects, answer questions at the league's annual combine earlier this month in Buffalo.
  20. Lightning release 2025-26 preseason schedule
    • Lightning
    The Lightning's final three preseason tuneups will be against the cross-state rival Panthers, including one game in Orlando.
  21. Here’s what to expect from Lightning as NHL Draft nears
    • Lightning
    The Lightning hold seven picks in this year's NHL Draft, their first in the second round at No. 56 overall. They also have a fourth-round pick, a fifth-rounder and four selections in the seventh.
  22. Panthers celebrate 2nd straight Stanley Cup with another parade
    • Lightning
    202506221634MCT_____PHOTO____SPORTS-I-CAN-GET-USED-THIS-8-MI
  23. Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champs by beating Oilers in 6 games
    • Lightning
    The Panthers' Aleksander Barkov (16) raises the Stanley Cup with teammates after defeating the Oilers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise on Tuesday night.
  24. Panthers feel better equipped this year to close out Stanley Cup Final
    • Lightning
    The Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) celebrates after his goal with Nate Schmidt (88) during the first period of Game 5 on Saturday. Florida can clinch another Stanley Cup by beating the Oilers on Tuesday night.
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