The Tampa Bay Lightning should be looking to improve their forward depth this off-season after their quick playoff exit. It is clear that they would benefit by upgrading their bottom six, and they are now being linked to a notable free agent because of it.
During the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman named the Lightning as one of the top expected suitors for Jonathan Toews.
"Jonathan Toews, sounds like it's a couple of teams here," Friedman said. "I think Winnipeg is in there. Think Colorado's in there... One of the other teams I suspect on Toews - Lightning."
Toews, 37, has not played since the 2022-23 season due to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and long COVID symptoms. However, the former longtime Chicago Blackhawks captain is ready to resume his playing career, and it is understandable that the Lightning are interested in him.
When looking at the Lightning's lineup, Toews could be a nice fit in their bottom six, whether he plays on the third or fourth line. In addition, the veteran center would offer them another potential option for their penalty kill, as he was well-known for his strong defensive play before being sidelined for the last two seasons.
On a cheap one-year, prove-it deal, Toews could be a very solid addition to a Lightning club that needs more forward depth. This is especially so when noting that he has a plethora of playoff success, as he, of course, was a major reason for the Blackhawks' three Stanley Cup championships during the 2010s.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Lightning end up being the team that wins the Toews sweepstakes from here. In 1,067 career NHL games over 15 seasons, he has recorded 372 goals, 883 points, and a plus-148 rating. He is also a one-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner, a one-time Selke Trophy winner, a one-time Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, and a six-time All-Star.
Where Lightning's Nikita Kucherov Finished In Hart Trophy Voting
The NHL announced this year's winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy on June 12, and it was not <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> forward Nikita Kucherov. Instead, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has been named the NHL's most valuable player, becoming the first goalie to win the award since Carey Price did back in 2015.
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