Lightning sign Carlson, Mikheyev, could give Geekie big opportunity
The Tampa Bay Lightning are preparing for the 2026-27 season with a series of deliberate roster changes following their early exit from last year's playoffs. General Manager Julien BriseBois has focused on acquiring veteran stability and building depth across the lineup. Key additions include defenseman John Carlson and forwards Ilya Mikheyev and Jeffrey Viel. These moves come as the team parts ways with several contributors from previous years, including Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul.
Defenseman John Carlson brings veteran experience to the blueline. After a season split between Washington and Anaheim, the 36-year-old signed a two-year deal. He is expected to step into a primary role alongside Victor Hedman on the power play. This acquisition serves as a direct response to the departure of Darren Raddysh, who signed an eight-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs after a career-best campaign.
Between the pipes, the organization made a clear shift. Dennis Hildeby arrives from Toronto to challenge for the backup role behind Andrei Vasilevskiy. The team has signaled that they are looking for a new destination for current backup Jonas Johansson. This move is part of a broader strategy to refine the roster without making restrictive long-term commitments that might limit flexibility.
The forward group also sees movement with the addition of Ilya Mikheyev and Jeffrey Viel. For 22-year-old Conor Geekie, the departure of Nick Paul opens a significant opportunity. Coaching staff will likely monitor his performance closely during training camp as he enters the final season of his entry-level contract.
Looking ahead, the top priority for the front office is finalizing a new contract for Nikita Kucherov. The reigning Hart Trophy winner is eligible for an extension, and his status remains the biggest question mark for the season. Despite consistent regular-season performance, the team acknowledges the need to translate their high-danger offensive metrics into postseason success as they head toward the September 29 season opener.