2024–25 Tampa Bay Lightning season

The Lightning's off-season began after losing to the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in five games.[2]

On May 16, 2024, the Lightning re-signed forward Mitchell Chaffee two-year contract extension that has an annual cap hit of $800k.[3] 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.[4]

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.[5]

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 cups with the Lightning 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.[6]

On May 25, 2024, the Lightning placed forward prospect Ilya Usau on unconditional waivers for purposes of mutual contract termination.[7] 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.[8]

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.[9]

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.[10]

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.[11]

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.[12]

Key:

 †  Contract is entry-level.