Lightning Add Carlson, Deal Paul As Free Agency Begins
- Mike Smith
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 3
By Mike Smith | Thunderstruck Sports
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.
Lightning Sign Carlson, Mikheyev, and Viel
D John Carlson
With the Lightning adding two forwards and a goalie on Wednesday afternoon, some expressed concern about how the team would address the void left by Raddysh's departure as a right-handed defenseman. When Lightning GM Julien BriseBois spoke to the media early in the evening, he touted how happy team management was with the trio of JJ Moser, Charle-Edouard D'Astous, and Emile Lilleberg and their ability to play both sides of the blue line.
"I would say we have a number of left-shot D who can play on the right side, so that is an option," BriseBois told the media Wednesday evening. "And as of right now, that is the option...We're always looking at ways to improve our team."
"There's still some players out there, there's some trade talk going on. I don't know that it's necessarily going to lead to anything in the short term, but I would say right now we have seven defensemen that are really good NHL defensemen that we like. They fit our identity. We're happy to have them, and if we go into the season with those seven defensemen, we're really comfortable with our D core."
How things changed by 11 pm. A late-night deal was struck for Carlson, who signed a two-year, $8.5 million-per-year contract, announced around midnight.
The 36-year-old defenseman had 60 points (14 goals, 46 assists) in 71 regular-season games for the Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals last season, including 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 16 games after he was acquired in a trade with Washington on March 5.
He had six assists in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Carlson is celebrated as an elite offensive defenseman with a lethal slapshot, top-notch playmaking, and exceptional durability. The 36-year-old can fill the gap left by Raddysh in the short term, which the two-year deal accounts for.
That will give Moser, D'Astous, and Lilleberg time to continue developing their games and growing.
On Saturday, the Ducks traded Carlson's rights to the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, but the team could not reach a deal before Carlson became an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.
Carlson's defensive zone coverage is often heavily criticized, however, and his lateral mobility and decision-making can make him a liability under aggressive forechecks. But he has the experience and veteran status the Lightning need, and the Bolts are looking to not lose a step in the Atlantic Division.
The late-night signing is a good one, and will keep the Lightning even with last year's defensive core, if not slightly better.
F Ilya Mikheyev
Forward Ilya Mikheyev signed a four-year deal worth $3.85 million a year. The former Chicago Blackhawks player had 36 points (18G, 18A) in 77 games last season.
Mikheyev has bursts of speed and agility, but a 2023 knee injury tops a list of notable injuries over the years. He shows great versatility as a reliable 200-foot player, has a high hockey IQ, puck-winning ability, and can be physical.
His ability to be aggressive on the penalty kill made him one of the more effective defensive forwards in the NHL last year.
Mikheyev believes playing under former assistant Jeff Blashill in Chicago will help him remain an elite penalty-killing forward. He was the top penalty kill forward on a Blackhawks team that ranked second in the league killing penalties.
Mikheyev is also excited about playing with Lightning star Nikita Kucherov.
"I'm pretty excited because I do not know him (Kucherov) personally," Mikheyev said. "We just can say hi during the game. These types of players, you should just look and try your best because there are not many players like Kuch in the NHL. When you have the opportunity to practice and play with him, you should learn (from him). It doesn't matter how old you are."
The Lightning leaning into his speed is a smart move, as injuries limited the team's ability to create chances last season. Mikheyev is a solid addition at a reasonable price.
F Jeffrey Viel
Forward Jeffrey Viel signed a five-year deal worth $2.5 million a year. The scrappy fourth-line winger fights and takes penalties, traits that will suit the Lightning well going up against teams like the Florida Panthers. He had 79 penalty minutes in 45 regular season games.
The Panthers have been loading up on toughness this offseason, including signing Radko Gudas and Brady Tkachuk.
Viel plays with relentless energy, consistently throwing big hits, crashing the net, and scrums along the boards, unafraid to drop the gloves and will readily fight the opposition's toughest players to protect his teammates or shift momentum. He is a high-effort player who hounds the puck on the forecheck, making life difficult for opposing defensemen.
One key drawback is that his physical, aggressive playstyle can sometimes lead to undisciplined or costly minor penalties.
Notable weaknesses include a lack of elite stickhandling or scoring touch, which often restricts his ability to contribute heavily on the scoresheet. Viel only scored 3 goals with seven assists in 35 games after being traded to Anaheim last year, which was better than his lack of production in Boston. However, his attitude and production changed when he arrived in California.
"As soon as I got there (to Anaheim), I just felt different," Viel said. "I just felt more confident. I was able to create more plays & contribute a little bit more offensively. Having a little bit more ice time definitely helped, too."
The Lightning are willing to take a chance that Viel is another Pat Maroon, tough, gritty, and not afraid to get his hands dirty to play enforcer.
"I like fighting. Not everyone likes it, but I like it a lot," Viel said. "I take pride in it. I think with the rivalry in the Atlantic Division, I think that's going to be a focal point for me. It's gonna be fun."
Paul Traded to Toronto, Bolts Add New Backup Goalie
Forward Nick Paul was traded to Toronto mid-afternoon in a deal for Goaltender Dennis Hildeby, a 2028 third-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick.
Paul joined the team via trade in 2021-22, becoming a team leader in the locker room and scoring 75 goals and 73 assists as a Bolt.
Paul was also a confidant of Darren Raddysh and joins the defenseman as a Maple Leaf.
At 6'7" and 231 lbs, Hildeby naturally covers a significant portion of the net and can look directly over screening forwards. He boasts a stoic, unflappable poise in the crease. He handles high-pressure situations well and rarely looks rattled by sudden momentum swings.
Some drawbacks include preferring to sit deep in his crease; he occasionally gets caught too far back—especially on plays requiring rapid lateral movement, leaving him exposed to sharp-angle or half-wall attacks. He sometimes struggles to control and trap the puck off his catching glove and blocker, occasionally allowing high-danger rebounds.
However, with only 26 games in two years as a backup in Toronto, there is plenty of ability for Hildeby to develop behind Andrei Vasilevskiy. He's now the number two goalie to one of the best to ever play the game of hockey. That's a big step for the kid from Jarfalla, Sweden.
BriseBois stated Wednesday that he would be working with current backup Jonas Johansson to find him a new home.
Surprise Signing as Carlile Heads to Pittsburgh
One suprise that did not go the way Tampa Bay was hoping was D Declan Carlile signing with the PIttsburgh Penguins. The 26-year-old defenseman was talking with The Bolts right through this past weekend before inking a two-year, $3 million dollar deal and heading to Pennsylvania.
With several Bolts blue-liners shooting left-handed, one less lefty works out. Plus, it did provide the space needed to sign Carlson late Wednesday night.
Other notable moves:
F Corey Perry returns to Los Angeles after a spring stint in Tampa Bay. He signed for a year with the Kings for one million dollars.
F Oliver Bjorkstrand heads to the Big Apple, signing with the New York Rangers for one year worth $4.5 million.
The Lightning announced earlier in the week that they would not submit offers to either player for consideration.
G Brandon Halverson signed a one year deal with the Dallas Stars for $850,000. Halverson spent 2025-26 with AHL affiliate Syracuse and only appeared in two games for the Lightning.
F Mitchell Chaffee signed a one-year deal with the New York Islanders worth $850,000. Chaffee appeared in 11 games this past season for Tampa Bay, recording one assist.
Will Kucherov Extension Happen This Summer?
Even though there was no news on an extension for Nikita Kucherov, BriseBois reiterated on Wednesday that the team would like to extend him this summer. With free agency and trades taking precedence, BriseBois stated that he will circle back with Kucherov's agent, Dan Milstein, soon.
“We’ve had chats,” BriseBois said of re-upping Kucherov. “Just because there wasn't a pressing deadline to accomplish something versus these free agents–if you don't sign them today, they're gone. These trade opportunities, if you don't pursue them, they disappear–that kind of took precedent the last few weeks. We'll circle back to his representative, and when we have something to announce we'll make an announcement.”
"“I'll reiterate that we would like Nikita to stay here, he would like to stay here."
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