With core pieces moving in and out, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has had a busy offseason so far. Despite the difficult decisions, the Tampa Bay Lightning are objectively a better hockey team heading into the 2024-25 season. With additions of Jake Guentzel, Cam Atkinson, and Zemgus Girgensons, the Lightning improved their five-on-five scoring and forward depth tremendously. However, the Lightning could use one or two more forwards to bolster their starting lineup. Multiple enticing options remain in free agency.
Dominik Kubalik
When Dominik Kubalik scored 30 goals in his rookie season with Jonathan Toews as his center, the Chicago Blackhawks thought they found a lethal top-six forward. Yet, the winger was off the roster two seasons later, failing to eclipse even the 20-goal plateau. Suddenly, Kubalik rejuvenated his career with the Detroit Red Wings, scoring 20 goals and 45 points in 81 games in 2023. This production made him a key piece in the Alex Debrincat deal with Detroit. After he arrived in Ottawa, Kubalik had the worst season of his NHL career, scoring just 11 goals and 15 points in 74 games.
Related: Lightning’s 2024-25 Season Schedule: 10 Games to Circle
Despite coming off a down season, the Lightning may find value in a player like Kubalik. The 28-year-old can fill an interim role on the second-line wing. After all, the Lightning desperately need an upgrade at right wing following the departure of Anthony Duclair. Corey Sznajder from AllThreeZones ranks Kubalik as a solid passer, but one-timers are his strength. The winger ranked in the 84th percentile of center lane passes per 60 amongst forwards in 2022-23 with the Red Wings. Furthermore, Kubalik ranked in the 99th percentile of one-timers and the 94th percentile of one-timer assists per hour that season.
As a team, the Lightning ranked in the 94th percentile of one-timers, and their center lane passing could use improvement next season. Kubalik helps address the team’s weaknesses while the team complements his best attributes. AFP Analytics projects Kubalik to earn only $1 million on his next deal for a single season. In short, the Lightning front office should be all over this signing, and Kubalik makes the most sense for the organization.
Alex Nylander
Before a brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Alex Nylander averaged 12 minutes of ice time per game in his limited NHL experience. Then, the 26-year-old was given an opportunity in Columbus and shined with an increased…
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