Nick Perbix (© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ebdc3574-e5f0-4782-aea0-d34a1f8df7f8.jpeg] Nick Perbix (© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] are preparing for what should be a busy off-season for them. While they had a strong regular-season in 2024-25, they struggled in the playoffs, losing in the first round in just five games to the Florida Panthers. As a result, the Lightning now have decisions to make when it comes to their roster this summer. The Lightning [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en] are entering the off-season with multiple pending free agents. Among the most notable is defenseman Nick Perbix, and the Lightning now must decide if they want to keep him around or let him walk. Perbix, 26, played in 74 regular-season games this season with the Lightning, posting six goals, 19 points, 50 hits, and a plus-8 rating. During the playoffs, he recorded one assist and an even plus/minus rating in five games. Overall, the Elk River, Minnesota native had a decent campaign, so the Lightning could look to re-sign him. Perbix has been a solid part of the Lightning's blueline over the last three seasons, too. In 220 games with the Lightning over that span, he has recorded 13 goals, 50 assists, 63 points, and a plus-27 rating. Overall, he has worked well in a bottom-pairing role for the Lightning, so it would be understandable if they were open to bringing him back. However, at the same time, the Lightning are heading into the summer with limited cap space, and other players like Yanni Gourde and Gage Goncalves also have expired deals. As a result, the Lightning will need to decide if Perbix is one of the players they hope to extend. If Perbix becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, there should be a decent amount of interest in him. Teams are always on the hunt for big right-shot defenseman, so it will be intriguing to see what happens with him from here. Recent Lightning News Tampa Bay Lightning Bring In New Defenseman [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f4da2ee6-0a2d-4c6b-b4c6-71ce3717b842.jpeg] Tampa Bay Lightning Bring In New Defenseman The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>'s season came to an end with their first-round series loss to the Florida Panthers. Now, the Lightning are already getting ready for next season, as they have made a new addition. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/tampa-bay-lightning-bring-in-new-defenseman] Former Lightning Forward Has Big Game 7 Moment [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ce38bd58-efce-4171-a481-d86fbbb0db2d.jpeg] Former Lightning Forward Has Big Game 7 Moment The Winnipeg Jets saved their season with an impressive comeback double overtime win over the St. Louis Blues in Game 7. With just 2.2 seconds left in the third period, Jets forward Cole Perfetti tied the game up at 3-3 and forced overtime. From there, Jets captain Adam Lowry scored the double overtime winner, ending St. Louis' season. Former <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> forward Vladislav Namestnikov also played a significant role in the Jets' comeback win. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/former-lightning-forward-has-big-game-7-moment] Lightning Have Clear Move To Make With Breakout Forward [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/85612d63-6e4c-4b18-9879-7dda490122c4.jpeg] Lightning Have Clear Move To Make With Breakout Forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> forward Gage Goncalves proved this season that he is ready for the NHL level. After starting the campaign with just two points in his first 27 games, Goncalves finished the campaign with 18 points in his final 33 regular-season games. He was also impactful in the Bolts' short playoff run, posting one goal and four points in five games. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-have-clear-move-to-make-with-breakout-forward] Lightning Should Target Canadiens Forward This Summer [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/68fedfcc-0a0f-4c6c-91ef-a4a954403c6b.jpeg] Lightning Should Target Canadiens Forward This Summer The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>'s playoff run came to an end on April 30 with their 6-3 loss in Game 5 to the Florida Panthers. It was a tough finish to what was a strong campaign for the <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en">Lightning</a>, and they now have some decisions to make with their roster this summer. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-should-target-canadiens-forward-this-summer]
