The Lightning should take a flier on this Oilers depth forward.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are entering the summer with limited cap space and must re-sign Steven Stamkos. Due to this, it is unlikely that they will bring in any big-name free agents on July 1. 

While this is the case, the Lightning should be hunting for bargain players to help their depth this summer. Edmonton Oilers forward Connor Brown is one specific player who should grab their attention if he hits the market. 

Brown inked a one-year deal with the Oilers this past offseason after appearing in just four games with the Washington Capitals in 2022-23 due to a torn ACL. The hope was that he would find success playing with his old junior teammate, Connor McDavid. Unfortunately, the regular season was a big challenge for Brown, as he had just four goals, eight assists, and a minus-8 rating in 71 games. 

However, Brown has quietly improved during the Oilers' playoff run, recording one goal, five points, and a plus-2 rating in 16 games thus far. While he is not dominating, his pace of production has improved. That is an encouraging sign for his future. 

Brown, 30, is a clear bounce-back candidate for the 2024-25 season. It often takes players some time to readjust after suffering a severe injury like Brown's, so there is reason to believe he could improve after an offseason of rest. Keep in mind, this is a player who has two 20-goal seasons and four seasons with at least 35 points. In 2021-22, he had 10 goals and 39 points in just 64 games with the Ottawa Senators. 

If the Lightning signed Brown to a cheap one-year deal, he would be an intriguing option for their bottom six and power play. With the Bolts needing more depth and having little cap space, he is precisely the kind of potential cheap UFA they should have on their radar. 

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