The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Stanley Cup prospects are diminishing amid controversial acquisitions

The Tampa Bay Lightning are struggling to make significant progress toward another Stanley Cup despite recent player moves and signings.

By the numbers

• The Lightning won the Stanley Cup three years ago and reached the Finals two years ago.
• They reacquired Ryan McDonagh, a 34-year-old player with a capitalization of $6.75 million for the next two years.
• Tampa Bay traded away its first two picks in the 2025 NHL Draft and its first four picks in this year’s draft.
• They have not won a playoff round over the last two seasons and have lost key players such as Coleman, Goodrow, Killorn, Palat and Gourde.

Yes but

The Lightning made significant sacrifices in the draft capital to strengthen their team, but have not seen significant improvement in recent seasons.

Game status

• Tampa Bay traded draft picks to fill out its supporting cast but didn’t get the desired results.
• The team’s struggles over the past two seasons reflect its inability to advance to the playoffs despite previous success.

What’s next

The Lightning faces the challenges of maintaining championship aspirations while balancing player acquisition, draft picks and team dynamics for future success.

Bottom line

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s recent roster changes and draft pick changes aimed at securing another Stanley Cup have not produced the desired results, raising concerns about the team’s long-term championship prospects.