Lightning News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Yanni Gourde • C • Lightning

Yanni Gourde Close to Season Debut

Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (hip) could be an option during the team's upcoming road trip, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. The Lightning face four straight road games after hosting the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday night. Gourde hasn't played this season due to hip surgery. As a versatile forward, he will be a welcome addition to Tampa Bay, though fantasy managers shouldn't expect huge numbers from the 34-year-old. In 2025-26, Gourde tallied 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 82 games.

3 days ago

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov to Stay in Lightning Lineup Despite Trade Request

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov will continue to play for the team despite requesting a trade, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. This season, we have seen Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin sit out action as they have sought a move elsewhere, but the current plan with Kucherov is to keep him in the lineup. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois announced Friday that the team "unequivocally" has no intention of trading Kucherov, who won his second Hart Trophy last season. Kucherov has a modified no-trade clause on his contract, which allows him to submit a 10-team trade list.

Oct 31

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Tells Lightning He Won't Re-Sign, Wants to Be Traded

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov isn't interested in re-signing with the team and would like to be traded, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Sources have told Friedman that Kucherov has informed his teammates and the organization that he's seeking a change of scenery. The reigning MVP is in the final season of an eight-year, $76-million contract. Just a few days ago, Kucherov became the Lightning's all-time leading scorer. He has spent his entire 13-year career in Tampa Bay, recording 1,139 points (405 goals, 734 assists) in 891 games. Kucherov has averaged at least a point per game in nine consecutive seasons. At 33, he should still have plenty left in the tank, and many clubs will likely be interested in acquiring him.

Oct 30

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Returns to Action Thursday

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (lower body) will return to the lineup on Thursday against Winnipeg. The Lightning captain sustained a lower-body injury last week and didn't play in Saturday's loss to Utah. Hedman's workload has dropped significantly this season, hurting his numbers. In 10 appearances, he has recorded four points (two goals, two assists), nine SOG, and 13 blocks. However, Hedman's most recent outings haven't been too bad, as he's scored all four points in his last six games. The Jets have started to struggle, losing six straight, making this a good fantasy matchup for Hedman and the Lightning.

Oct 29

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Cleared to Play Thursday

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (undisclosed) will be in action on Thursday against Winnipeg. He was initially uncertain for the contest after being labeled a game-time decision on Wednesday. Hagel saw a four-game point streak come to an end last time out against Utah, but overall he has been sharp in 2026-27. Across 11 games, Hagel has contributed seven goals and six assists. Hagel averages almost five SOG per game and is in a good spot to start another point streak Thursday, facing a team that has a 3.00 goals-against average.

Oct 29

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel a Game-Time Decision Thursday

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Thursday's clash against Winnipeg, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. Hagel has been highly productive early in the season, with seven goals and six assists in 12 games. If Hagel is unable to suit up against the Jets, Dominic James will likely get a chance to rejoin the lineup. Meanwhile, Ilya Mikheyev will be a candidate for a larger role, though he probably won't have many fans among fantasy managers because of his lack of offensive production this season.

Oct 28

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Becomes Lightning's All-Time Leading Scorer

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov broke the franchise's all-time scoring record in Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth. The three-time Art Ross Trophy winner entered the contest tied with Steven Stamkos at 1,137 points. He took the top spot with a power-play assist. Had it not been for injury issues at the start of the decade, Kucherov would have set the record a long time ago. He's been a point-per-game player since his fourth season in the league, and Kucherov's 1.58 points-per-game average since 2021-22 is remarkable. Kucherov has opened the new campaign with a run of 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 11 games.

Oct 25

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Listed as Day-to-Day

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (lower body) is day-to-day, the team announced before Saturday's matchup with Utah. Hedman suffered a lower-body injury in Friday's loss to Colorado. While Hedman's role has declined this season, it's great news for Tampa Bay that the team captain isn't expected to be out long-term. Hedman is averaging a career-low 14:26 of ice time. He has four points (two goals, two assists) in nine games. Emil Lilleberg was a new face on Lightning's defense against Utah, but he didn't have a good day at the office, going minus-two in a 5-4 overtime loss.

Oct 25

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Leaves Friday's Action Early

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (undisclosed) didn't finish Friday's 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. He logged just 5:56 of ice time in the contest. Last season, Hedman was limited to 33 outings, and he might miss some time again. In 10 games, he has recorded four points (two goals, two assists), 13 SOG, and 13 blocks. The former Norris Trophy winner has had a smaller role, averaging 14:26 of ice time. He hasn't played more than 17:45. Tampa Bay dressed seven defensemen on Friday, so a forward might replace Hedman in the lineup if he's ruled out on Saturday against Utah.

Oct 24

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli Available Friday

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) will suit up against Colorado on Friday. He didn't play in the third period of Tuesday's 6-2 win over Vegas, but Cirelli was apparently just banged up and isn't dealing with a serious injury. Cirelli has scored three goals and five points in nine games this season. On Tuesday, he had his best performance of the season, scoring two goals. Repeating that feat against a tough Avalanche team will be hard, though their defense hasn't been great this season, allowing three goals per game.

Oct 23

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli Misses Third Period Against Golden Knights

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) didn't play in the third period of Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. He took his last shift with 1:09 remaining in the second period. Cirelli was a standout performer in the high-scoring game, netting two second-period goals, including the game-winner. That gives Cirelli five points (three goals, two assists) through nine games. The Lightning will need his services in Friday's tough matchup against Colorado, but Cirelli might not be available if he's banged up.

Oct 21

Emil Lilleberg • D • Lightning

Emil Lilleberg to Miss One Week

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed) won't be in action for approximately one week, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports. He suffered an undisclosed injury in Saturday's win over Washington and will exit the lineup on Monday against Philadelphia. Lilleberg's absence will allow Maxwell Crozier to make his season debut as the Lightning continue to roll with seven defensemen. While Crozier has shown some potential, he isn't expected to make a fantasy impact in a third-pairing role.

Oct 5

Dominic James • C • Lightning

Dominic James Nursing Broken Hand, Out for Start of Season

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Dominic James (hand) won't be available at the start of the season. He is expected to miss a few weeks after breaking his hand during offseason training. James made his NHL debut in 2025-26, registering 15 points (seven goals, eight assists), 56 SOG, and 58 hits in 43 games. The Lightning also won't have Yanni Gourde (hip) until December, opening up a pair of bottom-six spots in the lineup. Conor Geekie and Jakob Pelletier will be among the candidates to fill them.

Sep 17

Yanni Gourde • C • Lightning

Yanni Gourde Out Until December Due to Hip Surgery

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Yanni Gourde (hip) is not expected to make his season debut until December. On Wednesday, it was announced that Gourde underwent offseason hip surgery. Gourde had a tough 2025-26 season, posting just 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 82 games. Now he's facing a major setback heading into the new campaign. With Dominic James (hand) also on the shelf, the Lightning have given Luke Glendening an opportunity to make the squad by signing the veteran forward to a tryout contract.

Sep 17

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Feeling "Great" Ahead of Training Camp

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is mentally and physically ready for the start of training camp. This is a very positive update, as Hedman's 2025-26 season ended early due to injury and personal reasons. "I'm happy it happened at this stage in my career where I know what I can do, I know what I can bring to the team, and I know what I can do on a daily basis when I'm healthy," Hedman said. "I have zero doubt in my mind. I haven't played a game since obviously March, but for me at this point I know what it takes to be good in this league. I've had a great summer and I feel great going into camp." Hedman will turn 36 in December and isn't the player he once was. However, he's still capable of producing significant fantasy value if he stays injury-free.

Aug 27

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Wins Second Hart Trophy

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov has captured the 2025-26 Hart Trophy as the NHL's MVP. He narrowly beat out Edmonton's Connor McDavid in the voting, finishing 10 points ahead. Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon was third. Kucherov won his second Hart Trophy, having received his first seven years ago. He earned 130 points (44 goals, 86 assists) in 76 games. While McDavid had eight more points, Kucherov's play in 2026 was in a league of its own. He posted 79 points (26 goals, 53 assists) in 41 games since the calendar flipped, with no other player reaching even 70 points. Kucherov isn't getting any younger, but he remains a top-tier fantasy contributor and will go after a fifth consecutive 100-point year next season.

Jun 12

Andrei Vasilevskiy • G • Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy Wins Second Vezina Trophy

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has won his second Vezina Trophy. The league's general managers voted Vasilevskiy the best goaltender of the 2025-26 NHL season, ahead of Ilya Sorokin (New York Islanders) and Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins). Vasilevskiy, who first won the award in 2018-19, led the league with 39 wins in 58 starts. He was second in the NHL with a 2.31 goals-against average and third with a .912 save percentage. Vasilevskiy recorded two shutouts during his ninth consecutive 30-win season. Martin Brodeur is the only other netminder to post as many consecutive 30-win campaigns, and he holds the NHL record with 12. Vasilevskiy will have a chance to catch Brodeur if he stays healthy, as the Russian shot-stopper will turn only 32 in the offseason. He should have several high-caliber fantasy campaigns left.

Jun 6

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Reveals Reason for Absence

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (personal) revealed on Tuesday that he missed the end of the season to focus on his mental health. The Lightning captain didn't play in the playoffs and sat out the final 15 regular-season games. "I've always believed that being a leader means doing what's best for the team," Hedman said in a social media statement. "In this case, it also meant doing what was necessary to take care of myself, so I can be the best player, teammate, husband and father I expect to be." In his statement, Hedman noted he's "in a much better place today." Hedman played in a career-low 33 games in 2025-26, posting 17 points (one goal, 16 assists). This was the first season of Hedman's four-year, $32 million contract.

May 5

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Will Not Play Sunday Versus Montreal

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman gave fans and fantasy playoff managers a glimmer of brief hope on Sunday. However, head coach Jon Cooper said no when asked if Hedman would return against the Montreal Canadiens. Hedman will be given more time to get into game shape. It has been a brutal season for the former Norris Trophy winner. Hedman had missed 49 games and only had 17 points in 33 contests with one goal. Tampa Bay arguably has gained back the momentum in the series, which may be good news, as Hedman still does not appear 100%.

May 3

Charle-Edouard D'Astous • D • Lightning

Charle-Edouard D'Astous Ready for Action Friday

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (undisclosed) is set to rejoin the lineup in Game 6 against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports. D'Astous has been unavailable to the Lightning since suffering an undisclosed injury in Game 1 against the Canadiens. His return will bump Maxwell Crozier to the press box. D'Astous adds physicality to the Lightning lineup and can chip in offensively. He finished the regular season with 29 points (six goals, 23 assists), 80 SOG, 74 blocks, 96 hits, and 112 penalty minutes in 70 outings.

May 1

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