Episode
Summer Coolers – Tampa Bay Lightning
- Podcast
- NHL Wraparound Podcast
- Published
- Sep 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 423
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Summer Coolers – Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning enter 2026-27 with Jon Cooper beginning his 15th season behind the bench after finally capturing the Jack Adams Award. But Tampa Bay’s championship core is getting older, and GM Julien BriseBois made some fascinating decisions this summer. Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul are gone, while veteran John Carlson joins a blue line already featuring Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether Tampa still has another Stanley Cup run left—or whether age is finally becoming the Lightning’s biggest opponent. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] Jon Cooper begins his 15th season with Tampa Bay after receiving the long-awaited Jack Adams Trophy as NHL Coach of the Year. [00:00:20] One of the offseason’s biggest surprises is Darren Raddysh being signed and then traded following a breakout season on Tampa’s injury-depleted blue line. [00:00:40] Raddysh signs an eight-year, $8.5 million-per-season contract before being sent to Toronto for a 2026 fifth-round pick. [00:00:55] Nick Paul also heads to Toronto after establishing himself as one of the NHL’s more dependable middle-six forwards. [00:01:00] Tampa receives goaltender Dennis Hildeby plus 2027 and 2028 draft picks in the Paul deal. [00:01:15] John Carlson joins Tampa as a free agent, but his arrival only increases the age of an already veteran defense. [00:01:30] Victor Hedman is 35, Carlson 36 and Ryan McDonagh 37, creating questions about how long this defensive core can remain effective. [00:01:45] Neil notes that Hedman is reportedly healthy and ready to return after not playing following March 10. [00:02:00] Tampa will miss Raddysh’s booming point shot and the career-best offensive season he produced before being dealt. [00:02:20] Neil believes t…