3 disappointing Tampa Bay Lightning players who are bounce-back candidates for next season feat. Conor Sheary

By Cole Shelton

Modified Aug 02, 2024 16:37 GMT

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The Tampa Bay Lightning have a much different roster than the one that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. The roster has changed quite a bit, and last season, Tampa Bay was eliminated in five games by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

It was a disappointing season for the Lightning and some players. Here, let's look at three bounce-back candidates for Tampa Bay in the 2024-25 NHL season.

3 Tampa Bay Lightning players who are bounce-back candidates

#1. Conor Sheary

Conor Sheary signed a three-year, $6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the summer of 2023. He was expected to replace Alex Killorn, who had left in free agency, and give Tampa Bay some secondary scoring.

However, Sheary struggled mightily in his first year with the Lightning as he recorded just four goals and 11 assists for 15 points in 57 games. He dealt with some injuries which hampered his play.

Entering the 2024-25 season, Sheary is healthy and should have a much better season.

#2. Cam Atkinson

Cam Atkinson signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay (IMAGN)

Cam Atkinson was bought out by the Philadelphia Flyers and he signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning last month.

Atkinson didn't have the best of seasons last year, as he recorded just 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points in 70 games. Although Atkinson is now 35, he still can be a 40-to-50-point player in the NHL.

With Tampa Bay, Atkinson is projected to be on the second line with Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. Atkinson will be given a bigger offensive role than last season and should be able to have a much better year.

#3. Erik Cernak

Erik Cernak recorded just two goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 69 games last season but is known more for his shutdown defense.

However, Cernak dealt with injuries last season, which is an issue for him. But, with Tampa Bay acquiring Ryan McDonagh, Cernak will be back playing with him. During the cup runs in 2020 and '21, the two formed one of the top defensive pairings in the NHL, and that should be the case again in the 2024-25 NHL season.