tbl-Lightning Morning News: We’re Almost There

Summary

The Tampa Bay Lightning played two games the last two days! It was only a prospect tournament but we’re only a few days away from the first preseason game on Sunday. The regular season starts in two weeks in New York City! The Lightning were participating in the 2026 Prospect Showcase hosted by the Carolina Hurricanes this week. The Lightning lost on Monday to Nashville but didn’t go down without a fight. They won yesterday afternoon against Carolina, which always feels good. Check out 3 Takeaways here. [ NHL ] Ethan Czata (56th pick) and Grant Spada (212th pick) were both drafted by the Lightning in 2025. A trade in the OHL in June has them playing together with the Guelph Storm. Guelph is hosting the Memorial Cup this season and it’s safe to say they’re both thrilled. [ NHL ] I meant to include this on Monday but I’m ashamed to say I forgot to mention some of the biggest news of the offseason. ThunderBug was named 2026 Mascot of the Year by the NHL! Congratulations to everyone’s favorite Bug! [ WFLA ] Lots of news in the NHL yesterday: Blackhawks Announce 21 year old Connor Bedard as 37th Captain in Franchise History [ NHL ] Detroit Red Wings are still searching for a new General Manager and named Shawn Horcoff as Interim GM. [ Yahoo ] Lots of teams were racing against the clock of the expiring CBA to sign their players to maximum 8 year extensions. Drake Batherson came away with the most money, signing an 8 year, $86 million contract with Ottawa. [ ESPN ] I don’t think Ryan Leonard was too upset to finish second in that competition, re-signing with the Capitals for 8 years and $84 million. [ Bleacher Report ] Montreal didn’t sign any 8 year deals, but did sign Alex Newhook to a four year, $22.2 million extension that begins in 2027 and also signed RFA Arber Xhekaj to a one year, $1.5 million contract. [ TSN ] Coaches are getting new contracts, too. The Wild extended coach John Hynes to a multi-year extension. [ ESPN ] Check back in later as we finally crack the the top five Under 25 for the Tampa Bay Lightning!