One of the Tampa Bay Lightning's top goals this off-season should be to improve their forward depth. Their bottom six could use a bit of a boost, and they will have some interesting options to consider in free agency once it begins at the start of next month. 

When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), one player who could make a lot of sense for the Lightning to sign is an old friend, Taylor Raddysh. 

Raddysh, 27, was selected by the Lightning with the 58th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-3 winger was traded by the Lightning to the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2021-22 season in the deal that brought Brandon Hagel to Tampa. Since then, Raddysh has blossomed into a solid bottom-six forward, and it could be worth bringing him back because of it. 

Raddysh spent the 2024-25 season with the Washington Capitals, where he recorded seven goals, 27 points, and 59 hits in 80 games. Overall, it was a solid year for the Caledon, Ontario native, as he gave the Capitals decent secondary offensive production in a bottom-six role. With this, he could do the same for the Lightning if signed. 

Raddysh has also previously shown that he can be a solid goal scorer. During the 2022-23 season with the Blackhawks, he notably scored a career-high 20 goals and recorded 37 points in 78 contests. Thus, he could be a player worth taking a shot on with an affordable, short-term deal. 

It will be intriguing to see if the Lightning end up bringing back Raddysh. It would make for a cool story, as it would reunite the Raddysh brothers in Tampa Bay. 

NHL Rumors: Lightning Have Clear Target In Oilers Forward The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> should be looking to improve their bottom six this off-season. When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who can hit the market on July 1, they should have some interesting players to consider.

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