The2022–23 Tampa Bay Lightning season was the31st season for theNational Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on December 16, 1991.[2] They entered this season as defending Eastern Conference champions. On April 1, 2023, the Lightning clinched a playoff spot after a win over theNew York Islanders.[3] However, their three-year run to theStanley Cup Finals would come to an unfortunate end when they were eliminated by theToronto Maple Leafs in six games in the first round of the2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.[4]
The Lightning's off-season began after losing to theColorado Avalanche in game six of the2022 Stanley Cup Finals.[5] Despite their playoff shortcomings, the 2021-22 Tampa Bay Lightning became the first NHL team in thepost-salary cap era and the first NHL team in nearly four decades to clinch three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances, a feat not achieved since the1983-1985Edmonton Oilers.[6]
On June 30, 2022, the Lightning announced thatDarren Raddysh had been re-signed to a 2-year contract extension. Raddysh made his NHL debut last season with the Lightning, and appeared in four games.[7]
That same day it was announced that assistant coachDerek Lalonde was hired by theDetroit Red Wings to be their new head coach. Lalonde had served as an assistant toJon Cooper since 2018, and was a member of the 2020 and 2021 championships.[8]
On July 1, 2022, the Lightning announced the re-signing ofNick Paul to a 7-year contract extension valued at $22.05 million. Paul was acquired by the Lightning from theOttawa Senators prior to the NHL trade deadline. Paul appeared in 23 post season games on their trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, recording five goals and four assists.[9]
That same day the Lightning placed goalie prospect Amir Miftakhov on unconditional waivers or the purpose of a buyout. Miftakhov was drafted in the sixth-round of the2020 NHL entry draft. Miftakhov spent time with theOrlando Solar Bears of theECHL and theSyracuse Crunch of theAmerican Hockey League. Miftakhov has two years remaining on his entry-level contract.[10] Miftakhov cleared waivers the following day.[11]
On July 3, 2022, the Lightning traded defensemanRyan McDonagh to theNashville Predators in exchange for defensemanPhilippe Myers and forward Grant Mismash. McDonagh spent the past five seasons with the lightning after coming over in a trade from theNew York Rangers. McDonagh appeared in 267 regular season games with the Lightning, recording 20 goals and 99 points. McDonagh ranks third all time amongst Lightning defensemen in the playoffs in games (89), assists (21) and points (23). McDonagh also helped the team capture two Stanley Cup Championships and appear in three consecutive finals.[12] The main purpose of the trade for the Lightning was to help obtain salary cap relief both the upcoming season and going forward. After the trade the Lightning had 6.75m in cap that they can use to try and re-sign players or use in free agency.[13]
The following day the Lightning selected forwards Lucas Edmonds, Connor Kurth, Klavs Veinbergs, goaltender Nick Malik and defenseman Dyllan Gill.[15]
On July 11, 2022, the Lightning re-signed goaltenderMaxime Lagace to a 1-year contract extension. Lagace played in two games with the Lightning this past season, going 1–1–0. Lagace spent most of the season with theSyracuse Crunch, posting a 23–9–2 record.[16]
The same day the Lightning declined to issue qualifying offers to Tye Felhaber, Otto Somppi, Odeen Tufto, Alex Green and Alexei Melnichuk. All of these players became unrestricted free agents on July 13, 2022.[17]
On July 12, 2022, the Lightning announced the signing ofJeff Blashill as an assistant coach. Blashill had served as the head coach of theDetroit Red Wings over the past seven seasons.[18]
Free Agency
July 13, 2022, was the first day of NHLfree agency. The Lightning were involved in the following signings and player departures:
Forward Felix Robert was signed to a 2-year entry-level contract. Robert spent the past two seasons with theWilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. Roberts has skated in 90 games, recording 22 goals and 47 points. Roberts originally signed with thePittsburgh Penguins as an undrafted free agent from theSherbrooke Phoenix of theQuebec Major Junior Hockey League.[19] Roberts is expected to join the Lightning's AHL affiliate in Syracuse.[20]
DefensemanIan Cole was signed to a 1-year deal, valued at $3 million dollars. Cole skated in 75 games with theCarolina Hurricanes this past season, recording two goals and 17 assists. Cole has appeared in 670 games over his 12 seasons NHL career. He was also a member of the Penguins' back to back championship teams in 2016 and 2017.[21]
ForwardVladislav Namestnikov was signed to a 1-year contract, valued at $2.5 million dollars. Namestnikov appeared in 75 games this past season between theDetroit Red Wings andDallas Stars. He recorded 16 goals and 30 points over that stretch.[22][23] Namestnikov was originally drafted by the Lightning in the first round of2011 NHL entry draft. Namestnikov also made his NHL debut with the club during the2013–14 season. Namestnikov was eventually part of the trade package that brought overRyan McDonagh andJ. T. Miller from theNew York Rangers.[24]
DefensemanHaydn Fleury was signed to a 2-year contract that carries an annual cap hit of 762k. Fleury skated in 36 games this past season with theSeattle Kraken, recording two goals and four points. Fleury has appeared in 215 career NHL games between Seattle,Anaheim Ducks andCarolina Hurricanes. Fleury was part of Seattle's inaugural season after being claimed in the2021 NHL expansion draft.[25] Fleury was available to the Lightning after not receiving a qualifying offer from Seattle.[26]
The Lightning lost the following players in initial period free agency:
ForwardCharles Hudon signed a on-year contract with theColorado Avalanche. Hudon appeared in 66 games with the Syracuse Crunch last season, recording 30 goals, 27 assists and 57 points. Hudon did not appear in any games with the Lightning last season.[27]
DefensemanJan Rutta signed a 3-year contract with thePittsburgh Penguins. The contract is worth $8.25 million, and carries an annual cap hit of $2.75 million. Rutta played for the Lightning over the past four seasons, and helped the team win two Stanley Cup championships.[29]
ForwardOndrej Palat signed a 5-year contract with theNew Jersey Devils. The contract carries an annual cap hit of $6 million. Palat had spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Lightning. Palat finished his career with the Lightning with 143 goals, 280 assists and 423 points.[30] Palat also helped the Lightning to capture two Stanley Cup championships and appear in four Stanley Cup finals.
Re-signings
On the first day of free agency the Lightning re-signed the following players:
DefensemanMikhail Sergachev was signed to an 8-year contract extension valued at $68 million.[31] Sergachev was former 9th overall pick that came over via trade forJonathan Drouin from theMontreal Canadiens prior to the 2017–18 season. Sergachev saw his role gradually increase to the Lightning during the team's run to two Stanley Cups, and is expected to take on a regular top-4 role.[32]
ForwardAnthony Cirelli was signed to an 8-year contract extension valued at $50 million.[31] Cirelli came to the Lightning via a third round pick in the2015 NHL entry draft. Cirelli has developed into a two-way, second line center. In that capacity Cirelli is often tasked in a shutdown role, which regularly sees him matched up against other team's top line. Cirelli has appeared in 294 games, recording 66 goals and 159 points. He has also put up 14 goals and 34 points in 92 playoff games, which also included winning two Stanley Cups with the team.[33]
DefensemanErik Cernak was signed to an 8-year contract extension valued at $41.6 million.[31] Cernak was originally drafted by theLos Angeles Kings in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and was subsequently traded to the Lightning in the trade for goaltenderBen Bishop. Cernak spent one season in the minors before graduating to the Lightning roster during the 2018–19 season. Cernak became a defensive minded top-4 defenseman for the team. Cernak has appeared in 226 NHL games, recording 16 goals and 59 points. In the playoffs Cernak has two goals and 19 points over 73 playoff games. Cernak was also a member of the back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.[34]
Post Free Agency Frenzy
On July 22, 2022, the Lightning signed forward Lucas Edmonds to a three-year entry-level contract. Edmonds joined the organization via the2022 NHL entry draft in the third-round. Edmonds played most of his juniors career in Sweden before moving to theOntario Hockey League with theKingston Frontenacs this past season. He recorded 34 goals, 79 assists and 113 points in 68 games with the Frontenacs.[35]
On July 25, 2022, the Lightning signed defensemenTrevor Carrick to a 1-year contract. Carrick was with theSan Diego Gulls of the AHL this past season. Carrick appeared in 61 games, recording 10 goals, 20 assists and 30 points.[36]
On August 17, 2022, former Lightning prospect Cole Guttman signed as a free agent out of college with theChicago Blackhawks. Guttman was originally drafted in the 6th-round by the Lightning in the2017 NHL entry draft. Guttman became a free agent after not signing with the Lightning after the August 15th deadline this year. Guttman played last season with theUniversity of Denver. Guttman captained the team to the2022 NCAA Hockey Championship.[37]
On August 18, 2022, former Lightning prospect Sammy Walker signed as a free agent out of college with theMinnesota Wild. Walker was originally a 7th-round draft pick by the Lightning in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Walker was a made a free agent after not signing with the Lightning after the August 15th deadline this year. Walker spent the previous four years at theUniversity of Minnesota.[38]
On September 13, 2022, the Lightning announced its 30th anniversary celebration for the season. As part of this announcement the team will create a Lightning Hockey Hall of Fame. The first class will be inducted during a home game in the spring. The exact date and members to be inducted is to be determined at a later date.[39]
On September 19, 2022, the Lightning announced its training camp roster for the coming season. The roster is made up of 29 forwards, 21 defensemen and six goaltenders.[40]
Roster Reductions On September 28, 2022, the Lightning returned prospect Roman Schmidt to theKitchener Rangers of theOntario Hockey League. The move reduced the Lightning's camp roster to 55 players.[41]
On October 1, 2022, the Lightning announced that it had reduced its training camp roster down to 38 players. The following players were assigned to theSyracuse Crunch:Hugo Alnefelt, Declan Carlile,Trevor Carrick, Jaydon Dureau, Lucas Edmonds, Jack Finley, Gage Goncalves,Maxime Lagace, Bennett MacArthur, Grant Mismash,Darren Raddysh, Felix Robert,Simon Ryfors, Dmitry Semykin, Jack Thompson, Ilya Usau andDaniel Walcott.[42]
On October 2, 2022, the Lightning further reduced their roster by 9 players. The following players were assigned to theSyracuse Crunch: Maxim Cajkovic,Gabriel Dumont, Shawn Element, Tyson Feist, Ryan Jones andJack LaFontaine. Additionally, Dyllan Gill and Cameron MacDonald were returned to their junior teams and Brad Barone was released from his camp tryout.[43]
On October 4, 2022, the Lightning reduced its roster by 3 players.Alex Barré-Boulet,Gemel Smith andSean Day were the players assigned to theSyracuse Crunch. The move brought the Lightning's roster count down to 26 players.[44]
On October 7, 2022, the Lightning reduced its roster down to 24 players. Defensive prospect Nick Perbix was assigned to theSyracuse Crunch and forwardPierre-Cédric Labrie was released from his camp tryout agreement.[45] Labrie will also be joining the Crunch as he is still under contract with that team on aAHL only contract.[46]
On October 9, 2022, the Lightning signed forwardPierre-Cedric Labrie to a 1-year contract. Labrie spent the previous season between theHartford Wolf Pack and theSyracuse Crunch. This signing replaces Labrie's AHL only contract with the team.[47]
That evening the Lightning suspended defensemenIan Cole pending an investigation into allegations involving the sexual abuse of a woman when she was a minor. The allegations came to light via a social media post.[48]
Source: National Hockey League[51] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) p – Clinched Presidents' Trophy;x – Clinched playoff spot
Source: National Hockey League[52] Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) x – Clinched playoff spot
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Tampa Bay. Stats reflect time with Tampa Bay only. ‡Traded from Tampa Bay mid-season. Bold/italics denotes franchise record
First player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to record 500 career goals with the team. Stamkos was also the twenty-third player to record all 500 goals with the same franchise.
Eighth player in NHL History to record a hattrick during the game in which they record their 500th career goal. Stamkos is also the only player in franchise history to do so.
Third player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to record 500 career NHL assists with the team. Hedman was the first defensemen in team history to reach this milestone.
Third player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to score 50 goals in a single season. Point also tiedSteven Stamkos for the third most goals in a single season by a Lightning player.
ThePittsburgh Penguins' third-round pick went to theTampa Bay Lightning as the result of a trade on July 8, 2022, that sent Chicago's fourth-round pick and Detroit's sixth-round pick both in 2022 (103rd and 169th overall) to Los Angeles in exchange for this pick.
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