Could the Lightning look to keep this newcomer around beyond this season?
At the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Anthony Duclair and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Jack Thompson and a 2024 third-round pick. With the Lightning needing more secondary scoring, this move was understandable.
Since the move, Duclair has already proven to be an outstanding fit in the Lightning's lineup. He has worked beautifully in their top six, and his stats since joining Tampa Bay effectively show that. In his first four games with the club, he has three goals, five points, and a plus-4 rating.
Anthony Duclair While Duclair is just getting his Lightning tenure started, it is fair to say that he is already making a case for an extension. He has had zero trouble adjusting to head coach Jon Cooper's system and has found early chemistry with the Lightning's top stars. He is making the Lightning's top six far better than before the deadline.
The Lightning have limited cap space heading into the summer, and Steven Stamkos is also due for his next deal. Thus, a Duclair extension would need to take some creativity. However, with how he's playing early on with the club, it may already be something worth pondering.