Lightning Should Reunite With Former Defender

The Tampa Bay Lightning have made plenty of moves this summer and sport a notably different-looking roster because of it. Yet, looking at their current group, it seems possible that they will look to add more depth before the 2024-25 campaign starts.

One area where they could look to add to is their defense. Their right side, in particular, could use another experienced option. When looking at the remaining free agents who are right-shot defenders, one name who stands out is former Bolt Kevin Shattenkirk.

At this point of his career, Shattenkirk is a solid depth defender who can fill in on the bottom pairing. In addition, he is still pretty solid offensively, so he would give the Lightning another possible option for the point on their second power-play unit if brought back.

Shattenkirk spent this past season with the Boston Bruins in a similar role and put up decent numbers. In 61 games, he had six goals to go along with 24 points. With stats like these, he can still produce some offense from the point, so he may be a player the Lightning look at on a cheap one-year deal or even a PTO.

Shattenkirk was impactful in his lone season with the Lightning in 2019-20. In 70 regular-season games with the club, he posted eight goals, 34 points, and a plus-22 rating. He was also solid during their 2020 Stanley Cup run, recording three goals and 13 points in 25 games.

Recent Lightning News

Former Lightning Target Generating KHL Interest

Lightning & Islanders Could Link Up for Trade

Lightning Top Prospect Named Among NHL's Best

Steven Stamkos Shows Off Superhuman Memory

Lightning Newcomer Should Bounce Back Next Seaso n

Lightning & Kings Could Link Up for Trade