Fan Fuel 2013 NHL team roster preview: Tampa Bay Lightning

At this point in the NHL season, according to advanced statistics Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning should win the Hart trophy.

BY ALIN MATEESCU – FAN FUEL BLOGGER

With puckdrop for the 2012-13 NHL season set for Saturday, it is now time to examine each team’s roster as they head into a shortened 48 game season. Here is my look at the Tampa Bay Lightning and the possible questions facing their roster, their cap space, their unrestricted free agents and their restricted free agents. Salary cap and cap space provided by capgeek.com.

Salary Cap: $63,246,916 (12)

Cap Space: $6,953,084

Players Signed: 23

UFA: G – Dwayne Roloson, D – Brett Clark, D – Mike Commodore, D – Scott Jackson, D – Richard
Petiot

RFA: none

The Tampa Bay Lightning bolstered their defence by singing Sami Salo and Matt Carle over the summer. They also signed goalie Anders Lindback, who will likely become the club’s starter.

While Tampa’s defence should be improved — at least on paper — their offence will be carried by the same group of forwards: Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis, Teddy Purcell, Vincent Lecavalier, and Ryan Malone.

If the defence and goaltending holds up, the Lightning should contend for a playoff spot. They could get a boost from their $6,953,084 cap space if their ownership are willing to spend.

Alin Mateescu is a full-time Front-end Web Developer with a passion for Online Marketing, Digital Media, and Web Development. Web Strategist. Sports junkie. Creator of iTalkHockey blog network. Managing Editor at RumorMeThis.com and RumorMeThat.com. Find out more about me at about.me/alinmat

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