New Lightning Defender Can Become Big Piece
This new Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman could blossom into a significant part of the club's roster.
© David Kirouac-Imagn Images - New Lightning Defender Can Become Big PieceEarlier this offseason, the Tampa Bay Lightning shocked the hockey world when they traded star defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. Needing to clear up cap space to make summer additions, the Lightning made the tough call of parting ways with Sergachev.
While the Lightning will undoubtedly feel the loss of Sergachev in their lineup, they got a pretty strong return for him at the end of the day. One of the most fascinating pieces of the trade is defenseman J.J. Moser.
Moser quietly put together some strong campaigns over the last few seasons with the now-relocated Arizona Coyotes. For example, during the 2022-23 season, he set career highs with seven goals, 24 assists, and 31 points. He also provided decent offense from the point this past season, recording five goals and 26 points in 80 games.
Overall, Moser has not only shown that he can produce offensively from the blueline but also plays a pretty dependable defensive game. Because of this, he has the potential to be an essential part of the Lightning's defensive group moving forward. This is especially so when noting that he is only 24 years old and may not have hit his ceiling just yet.
Moser's still in the beginning stages of his NHL career, as he is entering just his fourth season. As a result, he could hit a new level next season playing on a far better Lightning club. It will be fun to see how he performs in his first year as a Bolt from here.