The Tampa Bay Lightning's 2024-25 season is officially over, and it certainly ended in a tough fashion for the Bolts. After entering the post-season with high hopes, the Lightning lost to the Florida Panthers in the first round in just five games.

The Lightning's goal next season will be to bounce back after their disappointing playoff run. It is likely that the Lightning will aim to make some changes to their group, but they will also be hoping for some of their players to hit new levels next season.

When looking at potential breakout candidates for next season on the Lightning's roster, forward Conor Geekie undoubtedly stands out. 

Geekie, 20, was acquired by the Lightning from the Utah Hockey Club last off-season as a part of the Mikhail Sergachev trade. The 6-foot-4 forward played in his first 52 career NHL games with the Lightning this campaign, where he recorded eight goals, 14 points, 97 hits, and a minus-4 rating. He also recorded one assist in four playoff games for the Lightning.

Overall, Geekie had some growing pains during his rookie season, which was expected. However, he also demonstrated good promise, and it is hard not to feel optimistic about him taking a serious step forward next season now that he is more adjusted to the NHL level. 

Geekie showed off his offensive skill at the WHL, and this was especially the case in 2023-24. In 55 games that season, he had 43 goals and 99 points. With numbers like these, the 2022 first-round pick certainly has the potential to become a difference-maker in the NHL as he continues to work on his game. It will be interesting to see if he becomes just that for the Lightning in 2025-26 from here. 

Recent Lightning News 

Lightning Should Target Devils Goalie This Off-Season The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning </a>are entering a significant off-season this year. After a quick first-round playoff exit, it is clear that the Lightning are due to make some changes to their roster.

Lightning Star Named Finalist For Lady Byng Trophy The NHL <a href="https://x.com/NHL/status/1918364869130174901?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">has announced</a> that <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> forward Brayden Point is a finalist for the 2024-25 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel and Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar have also been named finalists for this year's award.

Lightning's Anthony Cirelli Named Finalist For Top Award The NHL <a href="https://x.com/NHL/status/1918334675711336711">has announced</a> that <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> forward Anthony Cirelli is a finalist for the 2024-25 Selke Trophy. In addition to Cirelli, Florida Panthers forwards Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart are among the finalists for the Selke.

Lightning GM Provides Big Update On Jon Cooper's Future The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>'s season came to an end with their Game 5 loss to the Florida Panthers. With this, they have been knocked out in the first round for the third year in a row.