This is a look at the Tampa Bay Lightning 2022-23 line projections. It will cover all forward lines, defence pairings, goaltenders, and scratches.
Lineup Projections
F
Steven Stamkos – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov
Alex Killorn – Nick Paul – Brandon Hagel
Vladislav Namestnikov – Ross Colton – Alex Barre-Boulet
Pat Maroon – Pierre-Edouard Bellemare – Corey Perry
S- Cole Koepke, Gemel Smith
D
Victor Hedman – Cal Foote
Mikhail Sergachev – Erik Cernak
Ian Cole – Philippe Myers
S- Haydn Fleury
G
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Brian Elliott
Notable injuries to start season: Anthony Cirelli (shoulder), Zach Bogosian (shoulder)
Forwards
Though the Lightning could spread out their lines a little, they will likely choose to load up their top line with Cirelli injured. When he returns to the lineup, that may change, but for now, the line of Stamkos, Point, and Kucherov will be very dangerous.
Killorn and Hagel should be locks on the second line as the wingers, but the centerman may change a little. Both Paul and Colton are capable, but Paul averaged nearly four more minutes than Colton last season and can handle the responsibility.
Colton did serve as a productive third line player last season and will do so again in 2022-23. The Lightning also brought back Namestnikov who is a strong third line player in his own right. Bit since Paul has to move up, I think Barre-Boulet gets a good shot in the lineup on this line as well. As for the fourth line, the Lightning will run it back with the same fourth line they had last season when the team was healthy. They are effective at both ends of the ice and physical.
Defence
With the departure of Ryan McDonagh, Foote gets a great opportunity to play on the first pairing alongside Hedman. The young defenceman is ready to take the next step and spend the entire season with the Lightning after consecutive split seasons. There isn’t a better choice than Hedman as a mentor while Foote adjusts to more responsibility.
Sergachev and Cernak will form a very strong second pairing behind them and will provide offensive opportunities as well as play very well on the defensive side of the puck. The Lightning get a new look on the third pairing as Cole, Myers, and Fleury all come in. Cole is a lock to be in the lineup and will help either of the young defenders try to get traction in the NHL after struggling to stay in the lineup.
Goaltending
Vasilevskiy is a top-three goaltender in the NHL and will undoubtedly get 50-plus starts for the Lightning this season. He gives the team a chance to win every night and they have tons of trust in him to play many games. Elliott proved to be a solid backup last season and the Lightning are hoping to get the same out of him again this season.
What do you think about the Tampa Bay Lightning 2022-23 line projections? What would you change?
Related: Stat Hockey’s St. Louis Blues 2022-23 Line Projections
