2024–25 Tampa Bay Lightning season
National Hockey League season
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The 2024–25 Tampa Bay Lightning season was the 33rd season for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on December 16, 1991.[2] This was their first season since 2007–08 without franchise icon Steven Stamkos, as he signed with the Nashville Predators in free agency in the 2024 off-season.[3][4]
| 2024–25 Tampa Bay Lightning | |
|---|---|
| Division | 2nd Atlantic |
| Conference | 3rd Eastern |
| 2024–25 record | 47–27–8 |
| Home record | 29–8–4 |
| Road record | 18–19–4 |
| Goals for | 294 |
| Goals against | 219 |
| Team information | |
| General manager | Julien BriseBois |
| Coach | Jon Cooper |
| Captain | Victor Hedman |
| Alternate captains | Nikita Kucherov Ryan McDonagh |
| Arena | Amalie Arena |
| Average attendance | 19,092[1] |
| Minor league affiliates | Syracuse Crunch (AHL) Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) |
| Team leaders | |
| Goals | Brayden Point (42) |
| Assists | Nikita Kucherov (84) |
| Points | Nikita Kucherov (121) |
| Penalty minutes | Emil Lilleberg (99) |
| Plus/minus | Ryan McDonagh (+42) |
| Wins | Andrei Vasilevskiy (37) |
| Goals against average | Andrei Vasilevskiy (2.14) |
On April 5, the Lightning clinched a playoff berth for the eighth consecutive season following a loss by the New York Rangers to the New Jersey Devils.[5]
In the first round of the 2025 playoffs, the Lightning were defeated by their intrastate rival, the reigning and eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in five games for the second season in a row.
Off-season
April
The Lightning's off-season began after losing to the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in five games.[6]
May
On May 16, 2024, the Lightning re-signed forward Mitchell Chaffee two-year contract extension that has an annual cap hit of $800k.[7] Chaffee skated in 30 games with the Lightning this past season, recording 4 goals and 7 points. Chaffee also appeared in all five of the Lightning's playoff games in the first round series with the Florida Panthers.[8]
The following day the Lightning re-signed forward Niko Huuhtanen to a three-year entry-level contract. Niko has played the last two seasons with Jukurit of the Liiga. Niko has recorded 36 goals and 40 assists over 100 games. He was also named the Liiga's top rookie during the 2022–23 season. This past season he also appeared in six games with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League on an ATO, recording 3 assists over 6 games.[8]
On May 21, 2024, the Lightning reacquired Ryan McDonagh and a 4th-round pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft from the Nashville Predators in exchange for 7th-round pick in 2024, and a 2nd-round pick in the 2025 NHL entry draft. McDonagh was previously traded to the Predators after winning back-to-back championships with the Lightning and helping them reach a third straight Stanley Cup Final due to cap constraints. In the prior season McDonagh appeared in 74 games, recording 29 assists. McDonagh has two years remaining on his contract and will carry a cap hit of $6.75 million.[9]
On May 25, 2024, the Lightning placed forward prospect Ilya Usau on unconditional waivers for purposes of mutual contract termination.[10] Usau appeared in 42 games with the Syracuse Crunch last season, recording 7 goals and 14 points. The prior season he had 4 goals and 16 points over 57 games with the Crunch. The following day Usua cleared waivers and had his contract terminated with the team.[11]
June
On June 6, 2024, the Lightning re-signed defenseman Declan Carlile to a two-year contract extension. Carlile made his NHL debut last season in a game against the Minnesota Wild. The majority of the season was spent with the Crunch. Carlile skated in 61 games, recording 7 goals and 27 points.[12]
On June 10, 2024, Lightning forward Waltteri Merela signed a one-year contract with SC Bern of the National League in Switzerland. Merela appeared in 19 games with the Lightning, recording one goal. Merela also skated in 55 games with the Crunch, recording 15 goals and 34 points. Merela still could be issued a qualifying offer if the team wishes to retain his rights since he is a restricted free agent.[13]
On June 17, 2024, the Lightning re-signed forward Gabriel Fortier to a one-year contract extension. Fortier has appeared in 11 games with the Lightning since being drafted in 2018. Fortier has primarily appeared with the Syracuse Crunch thus far in his career. He skated in 62 games, recording 13 goals and 26 points this past season. Overall he has appeared in 235 games with the Crunch, posting 44 goals and 100 points.[14]
On June 21, 2024, the Lightning re-signed forward Gage Goncalves to a one-year contract extension. Goncalves made two appearances with the Lightning this past season. Goncavles also appeared in 69 games with the Syracuse Crunch, recording 13 goals and 58 points.[15]
On June 29, 2024, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for defenseman J.J. Moser, center prospect Conor Geekie, a 2nd-round pick in the 2025 NHL entry draft and a 7th-round pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft. Sergachev appeared 34 games, recording 19 points, prior to missing the remainder of the regular season due to injury.[16] Sergachev was originally acquired by the Lightning from the Montreal Canadiens in 2017. Sergachev played 7-seasons with the team, recording 48 goals and 257 points. Sergachev played in 100 playoff games and helped the team win back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021. Sergachev finishes his tenure with the team second amongst defensemen in assists (209), points (257) and blocked shots (670).[17]
The same day, the Lightning also traded forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2nd-round pick in 2025 and a 4th-round pick in 2024.[18] Jeannot skated in 55 games with the Lightning this past season, recording 14 points.[19]
On June 30, 2024, the Lightning traded a 3rd-round draft pick to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the negotiating rights to forward Jake Guentzel. Guentzel recorded 30 goals last season between his time with the Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins. This was Guentzel's fourth time reaching the 30 goal mark, which includes him hitting 40 goals twice.[20]
The Lightning also made another trade this day. The Lightning traded forward Bennett MacArthur to the Penguins for Lukas Svejkovsky. Svejkovsky split time the past two seasons between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League and the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. Svejkovsky comes into the upcoming season on the last year of his three-year entry-level contract.[21]
July
On July 1, 2024, the Lightning reached an agreement with forward Jake Guentzel prior to the start of free agency. Guentzel agreed to a 7-year contract that carries a cap hit of $9m a season. Guentzel was considered to be one of the more coveted forwards heading into the free agency period.[22]
The Lightning were involved in following player signings on the first day of free agency.
The Lightning signed defensemen Tobie Paquette-Bisson to a one-year contract. Paquette-Bisson played in 69 games with Laval Rocket the past season. In that stretch he recorded 27 points. Paquette-Bisson has recorded 69 points over 214 games in the AHL. He also has skated in 132 ECHL games, recording 50 points.[23]
The Lightning signed defenseman Derrick Pouliot to a one-year contract. This past season Pouliot appeared in 64 games with the Texas Stars, recording 9 goals and 37 assists for 46 points. Pouliot also played in 5 games with the Dallas Stars. Pouliot has appeared in 226 NHL career games across his career thus far.[24]
The Lightning signed defensemen Steven Santini to a one-year contract. Santini spent the past season with the Ontario Reign. Santini recorded 5 goals and 15 assists in his time with the Reign. Santini previously has suited up in games with the New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators.[25]
The Lightning signed forward Jesse Ylonen to a one-year contract. The contract will carry a cap hit of $775k at the NHL level. Ylonen appeared in 59 games with the Montreal Canadiens, recording 4 goals and 4 assists. Ylonen was originally second-round pick of the Canadiens in 2018. Over his career he has appeared in 111 games with the Canadiens, recording 12 goals and 17 assists.[26]
The Lightning signed forward Zemgus Girgensons to a three-year contract that carries an annual cap hit of $2.55M. Girgensons had spent his entire career playing with the Buffalo Sabres. Over that time Girgensons appeared in 688 games with the Sabres, recording 188 points.[27]
The biggest news of the day was that longtime captain and franchise icon Steven Stamkos left the organization as a free agent to sign with the Nashville Predators after he and the Lightning were unable to negotiate an extension.[28] Stamkos signed a four-year contract that carries a cap hit of $8M a season.[29][30][31] Stamkos was originally drafted by the Lightning first overall in the 2008 NHL entry draft. Stamkos captained the team to back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021 along with appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2015 and 2022. Stamkos also collected the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy twice (in 2010 and 2012 while also being the runner-up in 2011, 2013 and 2015) and was the Mark Messier Leadership Award recipient in 2023. He was also a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2012, a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award in back-to-back years (in 2011 and 2012) and the runner-up for the Art Ross Trophy in back-to-back years (in 2012 and 2013). Stamkos finishes his Lightning tenure as the team's all-time leader in games played (1,082), goals (555) and points (1,137).[32][33]
On July 2, 2024, the Lightning signed forward Cam Atkinson to a one-year contract that carries a $900k cap hit. Atkinson became a free agent after the Philadelphia Flyers opted to buy out the remainder of his contract prior to the 2024 NHL entry draft.[34] Atkinson played his first full season after missing the prior season due to a back injury. He skated in 70 games, recording 13 goals and 28 points.[35]
The same day the Lightning extended two members of their defensive core. First, the Lightning re-signed Victor Hedman to a four-year contract extension that will carry a $8M cap hit when it goes into effect the following season.[36] Hedman joined the Lightning after being drafted second overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft. Since that time Hedman has helped the Lightning win back-to-back cups in 2020 and 2021. During the 2020 championship, Hedman won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He is only one of eleven defensemen to achieve the feet thus far. Hedman has won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2018 and was a six-time finalist and been named to four NHL All Star games. Hedman is also only third player in franchise history to appear in over 1000 games with the team. Hedman holds most of the teams records on defense, which includes games played (1052), goals (156), assists (572) and points (728), plus/minus, even-strength goals, even-strength points, power-play points, shorthanded points, overtime goals, game winning goals, hits and blocked shots.[37]
Second, the Lightning re-signed defenseman Emil Lilleberg to a two-year contract extension that has a cap hit of $800k.[38] Lilleberg made his NHL debut with the Lightning his past season. He recorded five assists in 37 games after making his debut. Lilleberg also appeared in 38 games with the Syracuse Crunch, recording 2 goals and 15 points.[39]
On July 11, 2024, the Lightning reached a two-year contract extension with defenseman J.J. Moser that will carry a $3.375M cap hit. By doing so the Lightning avoid going to salary arbitration with Moser. Moser joined the Lightning in the off season as part of the trade that sent Mikhail Sergachev to Utah. Moser skated in 80 games with the Arizona Coyotes the past season prior to their relocation. Moser recorded 5 goals and 21 assists in that season. Moser also had 16 goals and 56 assists over three seasons with the Coyotes.[40]
Training camp
September
On September 4, 2024, the Lightning announced their roster for their prospect camp and 2024 NHL Rookie Show Case.[41] The event will take place in Bellevue, Tennessee from the 13th through the 16th. The Lightning's prospects will report to the rookie camp on September 11th. The roster will feature 13 players drafted by the team, players acquired via trade and free agent invitees. The below is the full roster of the prospect camp and rookie show case.
Forwards
Tristan Allard, Dylan Duke, Jaydon Dureau, Lucas Edmonds, Ethan Gauthier, Conor Geekie, Max Groshev, Ethan Hay, Niko Huuhtanen, Kaden Pitre, Milo Roelens, Lukas Svejkovsky and Gabriel Szturc
Defensemen
Max Crozier, Tyson Feist, Dyllan Gill, Jan Golicic, Emil Lilleberg, Roman Schmidt, Scott Walford and Jace Weir
Goaltenders
Ryan Fanti and Harrison Meneghin
On September 16, 2024, the Lightning announced their full training camp roster for the upcoming season. Training camp is scheduled to begin on September 18th.[42] The below is makeup of the camp roster.
Forwards
Luke Glendening, Cam Atkinson, Conor Geekie, Jujhar Khaira, Nick Paul, Brayden Point, Logan Brown, Mikey Eyssimont, Zemgus Girgensons, Jaydon Dureau, Kale Kessy, Milo Roelens, Brandon Hagel, Gabriel Dumont, Mitchell Chaffee, Lukas Svejkovsky, Niko Huuhtanen, Maxim Groshev, Dylan Duke, Lucas Edmonds, Jesse Ylonen, Joel Teasdale, Jake Guentzel, Tristan Allard, Jack Finley, Anthony Cirelli, Conor Sheary, Gabriel Fortier, Kaden Pitre, Daniel Walcott, Nikita Kucherov, Ethan Gauthier, Gage Goncalves, Ethan Hay, Gabriel Szturc and Kyle Chyzowski.
Defensemen
Ryan McDonagh, Jace Weir, Darren Raddysh, Tobie Paquette-Bisson, Scott Walford, Nick Perbix, Derrick Pouliot, Jan Golicic, Dyllan Gill, Steven Santini, Max Crozier, Declan Carlile, Roman Schmidt, Victor Hedman, Emil Lilleberg, Erik Cernak and J.J. Moser.
Goaltenders
Harrison Meneghin, Ryan Fanti, Jonas Johansson, Brandon Halverson, Matt Tomkins and Andrei Vasilevskiy
On September 17, 2024, the Lightning announced that forward Kyle Chyzowski and defenseman Jace Weir had been released from the training camp roster.[43]
Captaincy
On September 20, 2024, the Lightning announced that Victor Hedman had been named the 11th captain in franchise history. Hedman has spent his entire 15-year career with the Lightning prior to being named to the captaincy. Hedman holds the franchise record for defenseman in games played (1,052), points (728), power-play points (14), overtime goals (8), game-winning goals (28), shots on goal (2,241), hits (1,132), block shots (1,613) and takeaways (529). Hedman also has the most time on ice for any skater in franchise history (24,683:30). In addition, Hedman has also won the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Stanley Cup (2X), and James Norris Memorial Trophy. Hedman is joined in the leadership group by Ryan McDonagh and Nikita Kucherov.[44]
On September 25, 2024, the Lightning made their first training camp cuts. The Lightning sent Jan Golicic, Ethan Hay, Kaden Pitre and Harrison Meneghin back to their junior teams.[45]
On September 29, 2024, the Lightning reduced their training camp roster by 18 players. The Lightning reassigned Dylan Duke, Jaydon Dureau, Lucas Edmonds, Dyllan Gill, Niko Huuhtanen, Milo Roelens, Roman Schmidt, Lukas Svejkovsky and Gabriel Szturc to the Syracuse Crunch. Gabriel Dumont, Ryan Fanti, Tyson Feist, Brandon Halverson, Kale Kessey, Jujhar Khaira, Joel Teasdale, Daniel Walcott and Scott Walford were released from their PTOs and were also assigned to Syracuse.[46][47]
October
On October 1, 2024, Tobie Paquette-Bisson and Derrick Pouliot cleared waivers and were assigned to the Syracuse Crunch for their training camp.[48]
On October 2, 2024, the Lightning recalled Dylan Duke from Syracuse.[49] The callup was in relation to injuries that the Lightning were experiencing at forward.[50]
On October 3, 2024, Conor Geekie was suspended for one preseason game for violating NHL Rule 70.2. The rule concerns when a player leaves the bench on a legal line change for the purpose of starting an altercation.[51] The suspension was the result of Geekie retaliating for a hit by Florida Panthers forward Josh Davies hitting Victor Hedman. Geekie ended up with 19 total minutes in penalties for the incident.[52]
On October 4, 2024, the Lightning recalled Gabriel Szturc from Syracuse.[53]
That same day the Lightning also played goaltender Matt Tomkins on waivers for purposes of assigning him to Syracuse. Tomkins appeared in six games with the Lightning in the prior season.[54] Tomkins cleared waivers the following day.[55]
On October 6, 2024, the Lightning reduced their training camp roster by nine players. Declan Carlile, Dylan Duke, Gage Goncalves, Maxim Groshev, Steven Santini, Gabriel Szturc, Matt Tomkins, and Jesse Ylonen were all assigned to Syracuse. Ethan Gauthier was assigned to his junior team in the QMJHL.[56]
That same day the Lightning announced that their preseason game against the Nashville Predators at Amalie Arena had been canceled as a result of Hurricane Milton. The game was originally postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Helene.[57]
On October 7, 2024, the Lightning assigned Max Crozier to Syracuse and released Logan Brown from his PTO.[58] It is believed that the Lightning will be signing Brown to an American Hockey League contract to play with the Crunch.[59]
On October 8, 2024, the Lightning announced their opening night roster. The below is the list of forwards, defenseman and goaltenders that will make up the opening night roster.[60]
Forwards
Cam Atkinson, Mitchell Chaffee, Anthony Cirelli, Conor Geekie, Zemgus Girgensons, Jake Guentzel, Brandon Hagel, Nikita Kucherov, Nick Paul, Brayden Point and Conor Sheary.
Defensemen
Erik Cernak, Victor Hedman, Emil Lilleberg, Ryan McDonagh, J.J. Moser, Nick Perbix and Darren Raddysh.
Goaltenders
Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jonas Johansson.
Injured or Non-Roster Players
Mikey Eyssimont, Jack Finley and Gabriel Fortier.
Standings
Divisional standings
| Pos | Team | GP | W | L | OTL | RW | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | y – Toronto Maple Leafs | 82 | 52 | 26 | 4 | 41 | 268 | 231 | +37 | 108 |
| 2 | x – Tampa Bay Lightning | 82 | 47 | 27 | 8 | 41 | 294 | 219 | +75 | 102 |
| 3 | x – Florida Panthers | 82 | 47 | 31 | 4 | 37 | 252 | 223 | +29 | 98 |
| 4 | x – Ottawa Senators | 82 | 45 | 30 | 7 | 35 | 243 | 234 | +9 | 97 |
| 5 | x – Montreal Canadiens | 82 | 40 | 31 | 11 | 30 | 245 | 265 | −20 | 91 |
| 6 | Detroit Red Wings | 82 | 39 | 35 | 8 | 30 | 238 | 259 | −21 | 86 |
| 7 | Buffalo Sabres | 82 | 36 | 39 | 7 | 29 | 269 | 289 | −20 | 79 |
| 8 | Boston Bruins | 82 | 33 | 39 | 10 | 26 | 222 | 272 | −50 | 76 |
Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division
Conference standings
| Pos | Div | Team | GP | W | L | OTL | RW | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AT | x – Ottawa Senators | 82 | 45 | 30 | 7 | 35 | 243 | 234 | +9 | 97 |
| 2 | AT | x – Montreal Canadiens | 82 | 40 | 31 | 11 | 30 | 245 | 265 | −20 | 91 |
| 3 | ME | Columbus Blue Jackets | 82 | 40 | 33 | 9 | 30 | 273 | 268 | +5 | 89 |
| 4 | AT | Detroit Red Wings | 82 | 39 | 35 | 8 | 30 | 238 | 259 | −21 | 86 |
| 5 | ME | New York Rangers | 82 | 39 | 36 | 7 | 35 | 256 | 255 | +1 | 85 |
| 6 | ME | New York Islanders | 82 | 35 | 35 | 12 | 28 | 224 | 260 | −36 | 82 |
| 7 | ME | Pittsburgh Penguins | 82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 24 | 243 | 293 | −50 | 80 |
| 8 | AT | Buffalo Sabres | 82 | 36 | 39 | 7 | 29 | 269 | 289 | −20 | 79 |
| 9 | AT | Boston Bruins | 82 | 33 | 39 | 10 | 26 | 222 | 272 | −50 | 76 |
| 10 | ME | Philadelphia Flyers | 82 | 33 | 39 | 10 | 21 | 238 | 286 | −48 | 76 |
Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
x – Clinched playoff spot
Schedule and results
Preseason
2024 preseason game log: 2–2–2 (Home: 1–1–2; Road: 1–1–0)
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Regular season
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October: 7–3–0, 14 points (Home: 4–1–0; Road: 3–2–0)
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November: 5–6–2, 12 points (Home: 3–3–1; Road: 2–3–1)
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December: 8–3–0, 16 points (Home: 4–2–0; Road: 4–1–0)
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January: 7–8–1, 15 points (Home: 4–1–0; Road: 1–7–1)
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February: 7–0–1, 15 points (Home: 5–0–1; Road: 2–0–0)
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March: 9–5–1, 19 points (Home: 6–1–0; Road: 3–4–1)
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April: 4–2–3, 11 points (Home: 2–0–2; Road: 2–2–1)
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Playoffs
| 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Eastern Conference first round vs. Florida Panthers (A3) – Florida won 4–1
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Win Loss |
Player stats
Final[154]
Skaters
Goaltenders
| Player | GP | GS | TOI | W | L | OT | GA | GAA | SA | SV% | SO | G | A | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | 63 | 63 | 3743:05 | 38 | 20 | 5 | 136 | 2.18 | 1716 | .921 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
| Jonas Johansson | 19 | 18 | 1110:15 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 58 | 3.13 | 554 | .895 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandon Halverson | 1 | 1 | 57:57 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5.18 | 24 | .792 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Player | GP | GS | TOI | W | L | GA | GAA | SA | SV% | SO | G | A | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | 5 | 5 | 293:21 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 3.27 | 125 | .872 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Tampa Bay. Stats reflect time with Tampa Bay only.
‡Traded from Tampa Bay mid-season.
Bold/italics denotes franchise record
Suspensions/fines
| Player | Explanation | Length | Salary | Date issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conor Geekie | Suspended for one preseason game for violating NHL Rule 70.2: Leaving the players’ bench on a legal line change for the purpose of starting an altercation. The suspension was the result of leaving the bench to engage in a fight with Florida Panthers forward Josh Davies on October 2, 2024, at Amerant Bank Arena. | 1 game | – | October 3, 2024[159] |
| Emil Lilleberg | Suspended for two games for interference against Detroit Red Wings forward J.T. Compher on January 25, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena. | 2 games | $9,062.50 | January 27, 2025[160] |
| Brandon Hagel | Suspended for one playoff game for an extremely forceful body check to an unsuspecting opponent against Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov on April 24, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena. | 1 game | – | April 25, 2025[161] |
Awards and honours
Awards
| Player | Award | Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | NHL Third Star of the Week[162] | November 18, 2024 |
| Brayden Point | NHL Second Star of the Week[163] | December 9, 2024 |
| Brandon Hagel | NHL First Star of the Week[164] | February 10, 2025 |
| Brandon Hagel | NHL Second Star of February[165] | March 1, 2025 |
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | NHL First Star of the Week[166] | March 3, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | NHL First Star of the Week[167] | March 31, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | 2024–25 Art Ross Trophy winner[168] | April 17, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | 2024–25 Ted Lindsay Award winner[169] | June 4, 2025 |
Milestones
|
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Records
| Player | Record | Reached |
|---|---|---|
| Nikita Kucherov | Third most points in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov passed Vincent Lecavalier (874). | October 11, 2024 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Third most hat-tricks in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kurcherov tied Vincent Lecavalier (6). | October 11, 2024 |
| Brayden Point | Ninth most games played in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Point passed Tyler Johnson (589). | October 30, 2024 |
| Victor Hedman | Second most assists in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Hedman passed Steven Stamkos (582). | November 14, 2024 |
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | First goaltender in Tampa Bay Lightning history to record 300 wins. Vasilevskiy also became the fastest player to reach 300 wins in NHL History (490 games). Vasilevskiy passed Jacques Plante (521). | November 14, 2024 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Third player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to record 900 career points. Kucherov joined Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos as the only players to do so. | November 21, 2024 |
| Brandon Hagel | First player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to record 4 assists in a single period. Hagel also tied the NHL record for most assists in the first period. | November 25, 2024 |
| Brandon Hagel | Most assists in a single game by a Tampa Bay Lightning player. Hagel tied Mark Recchi, Martin St. Louis and Darren Raddysh (5). | November 25, 2024 |
| Brayden Point | Third most power play goals in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Point passed Martin St. Louis (96). | November 27, 2024 |
| Brayden Point | Fourth most hat-tricks in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Point passed Tyler Johnson (4). | November 27, 2024 |
| Jon Cooper | First head coach in Tampa Bay Lightning history to reach 900 games coached. Cooper also had the second most wins in 900 games (536) in NHL history behind only Scotty Bowman (548). | November 27, 2024 |
| Anthony Cirelli | Second most shorthanded goals in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Cirelli tied Rob Zamuner (14). | November 29, 2024 |
| Victor Hedman | Most assists in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Hedman passed Martin St. Louis (588). | November 30, 2024 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Third most assists in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov passed Steven Stamkos (582). | December 12, 2024 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Most assists in a single game by a Tampa Bay Lightning player. Kucherov tied Mark Recchi, Martin St. Louis, Darren Raddysh and Brandon Hagel (5). | December 12, 2024 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Most six point games in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov passed Brayden Point and Doug Crossman (1). | December 12, 2024 |
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | First goaltender in Tampa Bay Lightning history to play in 500 career games. Vasilevskiy also set the NHL record for most wins in their first 500 games (306). | December 12, 2024 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Second most multipoint games in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov passed Martin St. Louis (257). | December 14, 2024 |
| Victor Hedman | Most games played in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Hedman passed Stamkos (1082). | December 28, 2024 |
| Anthony Cirelli | Second most shorthanded goals in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Cirelli passed Rob Zamuner (14). | December 28, 2024 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Second most assists in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov passed Martin St. Louis (588). | December 28, 2024 |
| Victor Hedman | Seventh most goals in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Hedman passed Tyler Johnson (161). | January 11, 2025 |
| Victor Hedman | First player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to record 600 career assists. Hedman was the fourth Swedish born defenseman to record 600 career assists. Hedman was also the 19th defenseman in NHL history to record 600 assists. | January 16, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Second player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to record 600 career assists. | January 18, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Most seasons with 50+ assists in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov tied Martin St. Louis for the most 50+ assist seasons (6). | January 25, 2025 |
| Victor Hedman | First player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to appear in 1,100 games with the franchise. | January 30, 2025 |
| Brayden Point | Eighth most games played in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Point passed Ondrej Palat (628). | February 8, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Second most points in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov passed Martin St. Louis (953). | February 8, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Most assists in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov passed Victor Hedman (607). | February 8, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | Most three point games in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Kucherov passed Steven Stamkos (103). | March 27, 2025 |
| Nikita Kucherov | First player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to win the Art Ross Trophy in consecutive seasons. Kucherov also passed Martin St. Louis for most Art Ross Trophy Wins in franchise history (2). | April 17, 2025 |
| Ryan McDonagh | Highest +/- in a single season in Tampa Bay Lightning history. McDonagh passed Nikita Kucherov and himself (+38). | April 17, 2025 |
Transactions
The Lightning have been involved in the following transactions during the 2024–25 season.
Trades
| Date | Details | Ref | |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 29, 2024 | To Utah Hockey Club Mikhail Sergachev |
To Tampa Bay Lightning Conor Geekie J.J. Moser 7th-round pick in 2024 2nd-round pick in 2025 |
[170] |
| June 29, 2024 | To Los Angeles Kings Tanner Jeannot |
To Tampa Bay Lightning 4th-round pick in 2024 2nd-round pick in 2025 |
[171] |
| June 30, 2024 | To Carolina Hurricanes 3rd-round pick in 2025 |
To Tampa Bay Lightning Jake Guentzel |
[172] |
| June 30, 2024 | To Pittsburgh Penguins Bennett MacArthur |
To Tampa Bay Lightning Lukas Svejkovsky |
[173] |
| January 25, 2025 | To New York Rangers Lucas Edmonds |
To Tampa Bay Lightning Ryder Korczak |
[174] |
| February 26, 2025 | To Nashville Predators Jesse Ylonen |
To Tampa Bay Lightning Anthony Angello |
[175] |
| March 5, 2025 | To Seattle Kraken Mikey Eyssimont 2nd-round pick in 2025 1st-round pick in 2026 1st-round pick in 2027 |
To Tampa Bay Lightning Oliver Bjorkstrand 5th-round pick in 2025 |
[176] |
| March 5, 2025 | To Detroit Red Wings 4th-round pick in 2025 |
To Tampa Bay Lightning Kyle Aucoin Yanni Gourde |
[176] |
| March 30, 2025 | To Carolina Hurricanes 6th-round pick in 2025 |
To Tampa Bay Lightning Lucas Mercuri |
[177] |
Free agents
| Date | Player | Team | Contract term | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 | Jake Guentzel | from Carolina Hurricanes | 7-year | [178] |
| July 1, 2024 | Tobie Paquette-Bisson | from Montreal Canadiens | 1-year | [179] |
| July 1, 2024 | Derrick Pouliot | from Dallas Stars | 1-year | [180] |
| July 1, 2024 | Steven Santini | from Los Angeles Kings | 1-year | [181] |
| July 1, 2024 | Jesse Ylonen | from Montreal Canadiens | 1-year | [182] |
| July 1, 2024 | Zemgus Girgensons | from Buffalo Sabres | 3-year | [183] |
| July 1, 2024 | Steven Stamkos | to Nashville Predators | 4-year | [184] |
| July 1, 2024 | Anthony Duclair | to New York Islanders | 4-year | [185] |
| July 1, 2024 | Calvin de Haan | to Colorado Avalanche | 1-year | [186] |
| July 1, 2024 | Alex Barre-Boulet | to Montreal Canadiens | 1-year | [187] |
| July 1, 2024 | Matt Dumba | to Dallas Stars | 2-year | [188] |
| July 1, 2024 | Cole Koepke | to Boston Bruins | 1-year | [189] |
| July 2, 2024 | Tyler Motte | to Detroit Red Wings | 1-year | [190] |
| July 2, 2024 | Philippe Myers | to Toronto Maple Leafs | 1-year | [191] |
| July 2, 2024 | Cam Atkinson | from Philadelphia Flyers | 1-year | [192] |
| May 22, 2025 | Wojciech Stachowiak | from ERC Ingolstadt | 1-year | [193] |
| June 3, 2025 | Ryan Fanti | from Syracuse Crunch | 1-year | [194] |
Waivers
| Date | Player | Team | Ref |
|---|
Contract terminations
|
Retirement
|
Signings
Key:
† Contract is entry-level.
| Date | Player | Contract term | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2024 | Victor Hedman | 4-year | [196] |
| Emil Lilleberg | 2-year | [197] | |
| July 11, 2024 | J.J. Moser | 2-year | [40] |
| February 3, 2025 | Brandon Halverson | 2-year | [198] |
| March 4, 2025 | Logan Brown | 1-year | [199] |
| March 24, 2025 | Cooper Flinton | 2-year† | [200] |
| March 30, 2025 | Connor Kurth | 2-year† | [201] |
| March 30, 2025 | Lucas Mercuri | 2-year† | [177] |
| May 5, 2025 | Charle-Edouard D'Astous | 1-year | [202] |
| May 7, 2025 | Jonas Johansson | 2-year | [203] |
| June 2, 2025 | Yanni Gourde | 6-year | [204] |
| June 3, 2025 | Steven Santini | 2-year | [205] |
| June 6, 2025 | Max Crozier | 3-year | [206] |
| June 8, 2025 | Jack Finley | 3-year | [207] |
Draft picks
Below are the Tampa Bay Lightning's selections at the 2024 NHL entry draft, which was held on June 28 and 29, 2024, at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.
| Round | # | Player | Pos | Nationality | College/Junior/Club team (League) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1181 | Jan Golicic | D |  Slovenia |
Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| 1282 | Hagen Burrows | RW |  United States |
Minnetonka High School (MSHSL) | |
| 5 | 149 | Joona Saarelainen | RW |  Finland |
KalPa (Liiga) |
| 6 | 181 | Kaden Pitre | RW |  Canada |
Flint Firebirds (OHL) |
| 7 | 1953 | Joe Connor | LW | United States |
Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) |
| 1994 | Noah Steen | LW |  Norway |
Mora IK (Swe-1) | |
| 2065 | Harrison Meneghin | G | Canada |
Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) |
Notes:
- Tampa Bay previously acquired this pick as the result of a trade on March 18, 2022, that sent Boris Katchouk, Taylor Raddysh, a conditional first-round pick in 2023 and 2024 to Chicago in exchange for Brandon Hagel, a fourth-round pick in 2022 and this pick.[208]
- The Edmonton Oilers' fourth-round pick went to the Tampa Bay Lightning as the result of a trade on May 21, 2024, that sent a seventh-round pick in 2024 and a second-round pick in 2025 to Nashville in exchange for Ryan McDonagh and this pick.[209]
- The Chicago Blackhawks' seventh-round pick went to the Lightning as the result of a trade on June 29, 2023, that sent Corey Perry to Chicago in exchange for this pick.[210]
- The Utah Hockey Club's seventh-round pick went to the Lightning as the result of a trade on June 29, 2024, that sent Mikhail Sergachev to Utah in exchange for Conor Geekie, J.J. Moser, Toronto's second-round pick in 2025, and this pick.[211]
- The Minnesota Wild's seventh-round pick went to the Lightning as the result of a trade on July 2, 2023, that sent Patrick Maroon and Maxim Cajkovic to Minnesota in exchange for this pick.[212]