The Tampa Bay Lightning open the regular season tonight on a mission: to overcome past mistakes and build on their experiences. Considered one of the favorites to win a competitive Atlantic Division, the Bolts know time is precious. As the team opens with a visit to New York to face the Rangers, hope and excitement certainly wear Tampa Bay blue and white.

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced the club’s season-opening roster for the 2026-27 NHL season today. Tampa Bay’s roster includes 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders. Bolts Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois also announced that forward Benjamin Rautiainen has been loaned to Tappara of the Finnish Liiga.

Timing is everything. My case for Sam O'Reilly and Dylan Duke went up Sunday. By Sunday afternoon, both were headed to Syracuse. I missed by a few hours. The Lightning risk missing by a season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up their final preseason warm-up Saturday morning before heading to South Florida to face the Florida Panthers. The game will cap a grueling two weeks of training camp, where 67 players vied for a spot on the team's 23-player roster.

The Tampa Bay Lightning assigned seven players to their respective lower-level teams on Monday, reducing the training camp roster to 58. General Manager Julien BriseBois announced the moves a day ahead of Tuesday night's preseason matchup against the Nashville Predators. The team also announced the players traveling to Nashville Tuesday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning had an active first day of free agency as the 2026-27 season got underway on Wednesday, right up until the clock struck midnight. The Bolts signed two forwards, one huge late-night signing in defenseman John Carlson, and a new backup goalie.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh had a breakthrough year in 2025-26. Scoring 22 goals, Raddysh broke the team record for most goals scored by a defenseman. He also grounded a Tampa Bay defense mired by injuries, and found his niche on the Bolts' power play unit. Raddysh has also quickly become a fan favorite. As he enters free agency this offseason, one question remains: Will he stay in Tampa Bay, or will he find fortune elsewhere?