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NHL Free Agency: Grading the Lightning’s signings

By Jeremy Lambert

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 12: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates a goal during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round against the New Jersey Devils during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 12, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 12: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates a goal during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round against the New Jersey Devils during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 12, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – MARCH 26: Slater Koekkoek #29 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Arizona Coyotes during second period at Amalie Arena on March 26, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)”n
TAMPA, FL – MARCH 26: Slater Koekkoek #29 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Arizona Coyotes during second period at Amalie Arena on March 26, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)”n /

Depth Signings

Signed Ross Colton, Martin Ouellette, Kevin Lynch, Hubert Labrie, Cameron Gaunce, and Slater Koekkoek to deals

Only Slater Koekkoek has real NHL experience. Cameron Gaunce has played a handful of game for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars, but he’s best utilized as an AHL defender. Maybe he gets called up if the Lightning have a rash of injuries hit their blueline.

Koekoek appeared in 35 games for Tampa Bay last season, contributing eight points. He’ll likely be the seventh defenseman on the roster. As a depth guy, he’s not bad. He’s 24 years old, so there’s still some potential upside there, and Tampa Bay has one of the best developmental programs in the league. There’s no real pressure as the sixth defenseman in the lineup, especially with the talent around him.

Ross Colton is a 21-year-old who just finished up his collegiate career at the University of Vermont. He’s a fourth-round pick, which means he’ll be a superstar in the NHL on the Lightning. I’d keep an eye on him if I were a Tampa fan. Even if he performs well in the AHL, it’s hard to see him on the Lightning this season. If injuries hit their depth guys, their roster is built to win now, so they’ll likely bring up someone with more experience to fill in any hole up front.

The rest of the players listed a career minor league guys. They’ll spend the season looking out for a guys like Colton and 2017 first-round pick Cal Foote.

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