Now that training camp is starting to get closer, teams around the NHL are starting to sign players to professional tryouts (PTOs). When looking at the Tampa Bay Lightning's current roster, it is fair to wonder if they could go down this route to potentially improve their forward depth.
When looking at the UFAs remaining, one player who could make a lot of sense for the Lightning to sign to a PTO is forward Brett Leason.
If the Lightning brought in Leason on a PTO, he would offer them another option to consider for their bottom six or even as their 13th forward. The 6-foot-5 winger has also had success killing penalties, so he could help the Lightning in this area if they ended up signing him to a contract for the season.
Leason spent this past season with the Anaheim Ducks, where he posted five goals, 12 assists, 17 points, and 64 hits in 62 games. This was after the 2019 second-round pick recorded career highs with 11 goals, 22 points, and 80 hits in 68 games with Anaheim in 2023-24. Overall, Leason has shown that he can provide a bit of offense and grit in a bottom-six role.
Another appealing factor about Leason is that he is still only 26 years old. Due to this, he is a player just entering his prime and still could have the potential to improve further.
Nevertheless, Leason could be a decent player for the Lightning to take a chance on with a PTO. It will be interesting to see if they take a chance on him from here.
Lightning's New Projected Top Six Has Interesting Look
The<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1177153851127030&set=pcb.1177154281126987"> NHL's official Facebook account shared</a> what they think the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>'s top six will be heading into the 2025-26 season, and it looks strong on paper.