For any sports team, a change may be required in terms of changing the team's outlook. For some, change is not necessary. For the Tampa Bay Lightning, they run back the same team for the most part and have had success. This offseason, Tampa Bay was not in need of change as they feel they have a team that can contend next season.
With minor modifications, the Lightning are bringing back a team that has great depth and a mission to go back to the promise land. The changes were not earth-shattering but could make an impact in a depth role.
Lightning GM BriseBois standing pat
Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois looked at the roster after last season and knew they had small holes in the roster. For that reason, he felt the team did not need a massive move as they already had a team that had experience, depth, scoring, and defense. The only thing needed was fine-tuning in the bottom six and a backup goaltender. He did just that and did not break the bank to bring in new faces at a small price.
Brought in were forwards Scott Sabourin on a one-year deal, Boris Kathouk on a one-year, two-way deal, Pontus Holmberg on a two-year deal, and goaltender Jonas Johansson on a one-year extension. In another move, the Lightning traded prospect Isaac Howard to the Edmonton Oilers for prospect Sam O'Reilly. Howard was highly touted at one point but wanted to be moved. BriseBois did the best he could to bring in another young talent and he did just that.
BriseBois did not have to go out and make any moves. he is confident in his group and would be happy to go into battle with what he has. However, depth is important as the season goes along and the playoffs begin. These moves were insurance as the roster is mostly intact for the upcoming season. Having too much depth does not hurt any hockey organization and the Lightning feel that they have a roster that can do some damage.
Last season, Tampa Bay finished with a record of 47-27-8 for 102 points, good for second in the Atlantic Division. They woul dsee playoff action once again only to be eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers four games to one. While Tampa Bay did not fulfill a goal, they knew what had to be done. What had to be done was not to panic and bring back the same talented group that had been there before.
Tampa Bay is one of the few teams in the league that did not have to make changes to the roster this offseason. They have a solid group that can do damage in the regular season and playoffs. Bringing back the same squad does not hurt as they grow another season together and this gives them one more season of experience.