Tampa Bay Lightning: 5 burning questions for 2018-19 season

1. Can Brayden Point improve even more?

Brayden Point has been nothing short of spectacular for the Lightning in the two seasons he’s played. In his first season, he had 18 goals and 40 points in 68 games, and then this past season, he had 32 goals and 66 points in 82 games. He’s establishing himself as one of the most underrated centers in the league, and it may not be long until he’s regarded as one of the best centers, full stop. His possession thus far is 52.1 percent, which is very good, and his 0.80 points per game this season was also just outstanding.

He’s setting himself up to get a nice payday after this season as he’s an RFA. The best part is that there’s probably another level to his game. He’s a force in the defensive zone for Tampa as he’s the best defensive center on the team. He was tied for fifth in the league during the season with three short-handed goals. It won’t be long before he’s potentially a Selke Trophy candidate. He finished eighth in the voting for it this past season, but he has the ability to be a finalist for the award or even win it.

Point may even be able to be a 40-goal player in this league, and there’s no doubt he can have a season where he comes close to or exceeds 80 points. He has that kind of talent. He had seven goals and 16 points in 17 playoff games for the Lightning this year as he was one of their best players during the run. Getting Point where they did in the second round was a steal for the Lightning, and if he improves even more, it’s just going to keep getting better and better for them.