Former Lightning Forward Had Career Year With New Team

Cole Koepke (© Kim Klement-Imagn Images)

During this past off-season, forward Cole Koepke moved on from the Tampa Bay Lightning after signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins. This was after he appeared in nine games for the Lightning during the 2023-24 season, posting two assists and 23 hits. He also had 20 goals and 39 points in 53 AHL games with the Syracuse Crunch that campaign.

While with the Lightning organization, Koepke primarily played down in the AHL with the Crunch and received limited chances with the NHL squad. In 26 games over two seasons as a Bolt, he had one goal, three points, 55 hits, and a minus-5 rating. However, after receiving a fresh start with the Bruins, Koepke certainly broke out and cemented himself as a true bottom-six NHL forward.

In 73 games this season with the Bruins, Koepke set new career highs with 10 goals, seven assists, 17 points, and 177 hits. Overall, he proved to be a solid depth addition for the Bruins, as he provided them with secondary offensive production and plenty of grit. Now, the former Lightning forward, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, should get himself a bit of a raise this off-season because of his solid play.

Sometimes, players benefit from a change of scenery, and that certainly was the case for Koepke. He received more consistent chances with the Bruins than he did with the Lightning, and he took advantage of them in the process. It will now be interesting to see what kind of season he has in 2025-26, whether he stays put with the Bruins or ends up joining another club.

Recent Lightning News

Following the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2025 playoff exit, one of the questions surrounding the team was what they would do regarding their backup goalie spot. Jonas Johansson was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but now that will not happen. This is because the Bolts announced on May 7 that they have signed Johansson to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension.

thehockeynews.comWhat Lightning's Latest Move Means For Andrei VasilevskiyFollowing the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2025 playoff exit, one of the questions surrounding the team was what they would do regarding their backup goalie spot. Jonas Johansson was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but now that will not happen. This is because the Bolts announced on May 7 that they have signed Johansson to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension.

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a move on May 7, signing goaltender Jonas Johansson to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.25 million. With this, the 29-year-old will remain the Lightning's backup goaltender moving forward.

thehockeynews.com3 Lightning Who Could Get Contract Extensions NextThe Tampa Bay Lightning made a move on May 7, signing goaltender Jonas Johansson to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.25 million. With this, the 29-year-old will remain the Lightning's backup goaltender moving forward.

The Tampa Bay Lightning may be out of the playoffs, but multiple of their former players are still competing for the Stanley Cup. Veteran forward Corey Perry is among them, as the 39-year-old is currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in their second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights.

thehockeynews.comEx-Lightning Corey Perry Has Clutch Playoff GameThe Tampa Bay Lightning may be out of the playoffs, but multiple of their former players are still competing for the Stanley Cup. Veteran forward Corey Perry is among them, as the 39-year-old is currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in their second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are preparing for what should be a busy off-season for them. While they had a strong regular-season in 2024-25, they struggled in the playoffs, losing in the first round in just five games to the Florida Panthers. As a result, the Lightning now have decisions to make when it comes to their roster this summer.

thehockeynews.comLightning Have Decision To Make With DefensemanThe Tampa Bay Lightning are preparing for what should be a busy off-season for them. While they had a strong regular-season in 2024-25, they struggled in the playoffs, losing in the first round in just five games to the Florida Panthers. As a result, the Lightning now have decisions to make when it comes to their roster this summer.