NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — Looking at three possible PTO players for the Tampa Bay Lightning (Image credit: Imagn)

3 PTO signings Tampa Bay Lightning may consider before preseason

Modified Sep 11, 2024 20:26 GMT

The Tampa Bay Lightning are fresh off a mediocre season that saw them once again make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs before an unceremonious first-round exit.

While the team isn't too far removed from their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the team will have a fresh look heading into the 2024-25 season after the departure of Steven Stamkos.

The team could look to bring in several veterans through PTOs to spark competition among the bottom lines.

Three potential PTO players for the Tampa Bay Lightning

#1: James van Riemsdyk

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs—Source: Imagn

A veteran forward who has been a part of the NHL since the 2009-10 season, James van Riemsdyk is fresh off a one-year stint with the Boston Bruins. While his production numbers aren't what they once were, JVR could bring veteran leadership to the Tampa Bay Lightning as they pursue another Stanley Cup.

Despite his age, JVR showed that he can produce while staying healthy. Last season, he had 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in 71 games after scoring 29 points in 61 games with the Philadelphia Flyers the year before.

#2: Tyler Johnson

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights - Source: Imagn

As a member of the Blackhawks last season, Tyler Johnson completed the final year of a seven-year contract initially signed with the Lightning. While the two-time All-Star is 34 years old and has previously struggled to stay healthy, he might give vital veteran minutes for Tampa Bay.

Last season he logged 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) over 67 games, indicating although he has slowed down, he can still be a contributor. If the Boston Bruins decide not to pick him up after his PTO, a reunion between Johnson and the Tampa Bay Lightning to end his career could be a perfect fit.

#3: Justin Schultz

NHL: San Jose Sharks at Seattle Kraken - Source: Imagn

The 34-year-old defenseman is fresh off a two-year stint with the Seattle Kraken. Last season Justin Schultz's numbers dropped slightly, from 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists) in the 2022–23 season to 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists) in the 2023–24 season.

Schultz could join the Tampa Bay Lightning as a third-line defender and provide valuable minutes as needed throughout the year. As a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, he would also provide a veteran voice as the team seeks a championship.