Joel Armia (© David Kirouac-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/68fedfcc-0a0f-4c6c-91ef-a4a954403c6b.jpeg] Joel Armia (© David Kirouac-Imagn Images) The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning]'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 Lightning [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en], and they now have some decisions to make with their roster this summer. When observing the Lightning's roster, one area that they should look to improve is their bottom six. One pending unrestricted free agent who the Lightning should consider targeting this off-season, if he hits the market on July 1, is Montreal Canadiens forward Joel Armia. Armia, 31, quietly put together a solid season with the Canadiens in 2024-25. In 81 games, the 6-foot-3 forward posted 11 goals, 29 points, and 87 hits. He also recorded two assists and a plus-2 rating in five playoff games. Overall, the 2011 first-round pick once again provided decent secondary offensive production and grit in a bottom-six role this campaign. Those are both things the Lightning's roster needs more of. If the Lightning signed Armia, he could slot nicely in their bottom six, whether that is on their third or fourth line. In addition, due to his strong defensive play, he would be an obvious choice for their penalty kill if signed. Ultimately, with the Lightning's bottom six being due for a makeover, a player like Armia should grab their attention. He provides a bit of everything and has a good amount of playoff experience. Thus, he could be a solid depth addition for the Lightning to bring in. In 586 career NHL games over 11 seasons split between the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, and Canadiens, Armia has 103 goals, 104 assists, 207 points, and 839 hits. Recent Lightning News Lightning Top Rookie Should Hit New Level Next Season [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/57f9e445-a50e-45c1-bec6-e771fce947e4.jpeg] Lightning Top Rookie Should Hit New Level Next Season The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>'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. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-top-rookie-should-hit-new-level-next-season] Lightning Should Target Devils Goalie This Off-Season [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/384a18ce-357e-4edc-9615-ebcadd9cbd3e.jpeg] 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. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-should-target-devils-goalie-this-off-season] Lightning Star Named Finalist For Lady Byng Trophy [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/9e34b662-d5a3-4150-a836-8a114f7a8b7a.jpeg] 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. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-star-named-finalist-for-lady-byng-trophy] Lightning GM Provides Big Update On Jon Cooper's Future [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/dd3e101c-8327-48cd-96a4-c35a6d4d5322.jpeg] 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. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-gm-provides-big-update-on-jon-coopers-future]
