Lightning set to lose key forward to free agency
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been one of the best NHL teams ever assembled in history over the last three years. 3 consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, 2 cups. They're the closest thing to a modern day dynasty we've seen since the Chicago Blackhawks of the 2010's. With that much sustained success however, the salary cap was bound to catch up with them sooner or later. After already moving a couple of key pieces from those cup winning teams, another one might be out the door come July 13th.
According to Pierre Lebrun of TSN Ondrej Palat a key part of those cup teams may test the free agent market when free agency opens. He did mention that the two sides could've talked at the draft on Montreal, but all indications point to Palat testing the open market.
Palat, 31, has spent his entire 10 year career up to this point in the sunshine state with the Lightning. In 77 games last season, Palat put up 49 points including 18 goals and 31 assists. As well as picking up timely goals throughout Tampa's playoff run.
If Palat does indeed hit the free agent market, choosing to keep Alex Kilorn over him is certainly a choice by Lightning management, but I'd be willing to bet they know a thing or two about who they can afford to let walk and still remain in the top 3rd of the NHL.
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531393.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Team USA forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530971.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Team USA forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
