The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting closer to the 2026-27 NHL season, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down some of the biggest questions surrounding the Bolts as training camp approaches.

We start with the Lightning Prospect Tournament in Raleigh, September 13-15. Which Tampa Bay prospects have the most to gain, and which players need to make an impression if they want to push their way into the NHL roster conversation?

Then it's time for our 3 Burning Questions heading into the 2026-27 season. Who grabs the second-line left wing spot? Who wins the battle for the sixth defensive position? And can the Lightning power play get back on track?

We also debut Fringe, Rise or Regression, as we look at six Lightning players and predict what their upcoming seasons could look like. Are they on the fringe, ready to rise, or candidates to regress?

Finally, Chris Kreider has been released by the Anaheim Ducks. The veteran forward is now available — but would he actually make sense for Tampa Bay? We look at Kreider's production, potential role and whether the Lightning should have any interest.

On this episode:

• Lightning Prospect Tournament preview from Raleigh
• Prospects who need to impress
• 3 Burning Questions for the 2026-27 Lightning
• Second-line left wing competition
• Tampa Bay's sixth defenseman battle
• Can the Lightning power play rebound?
• Fringe, Rise or Regression: 6 Lightning players
• Chris Kreider released by Anaheim
• Could Kreider be a fit in Tampa Bay?

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning analysis, NHL news, prospects, roster discussions and conversations that go beyond the box score.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are heading toward training camp with some major questions, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Bolts and the NHL.

What will the Lightning do with Nikita Kucherov’s next contract, and what does the future hold for Jonas Johansson? With training camp approaching, we discuss the contract situations Tampa Bay will have to address and what Kucherov could command on his next deal.

We also debate one of the biggest questions facing the Lightning this season: Who does Tampa Bay need a bounce-back season from more — Brayden Point or Victor Hedman? Both are critical pieces of the Lightning core, but which player returning to top form would have the greater impact?

Plus, a potentially massive NHL storyline: Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade. What could that mean for the Winnipeg Jets, what kind of market could develop for one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders, and which teams could potentially get involved?

Finally, with NHL expansion continuing to loom on the horizon, could expansion finally lead the league to rethink the Stanley Cup Playoff format? We discuss possible changes and whether the current wild-card system should survive an expanded NHL.

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts:

• Nikita Kucherov’s next contract — what’s his number?
• What happens with Jonas Johansson?
• Brayden Point vs. Victor Hedman: Who needs the bigger bounce-back season?
• Connor Hellebuyck requests a trade
• Could NHL expansion change the playoff format?

If you’re a Tampa Bay Lightning fan or follow the NHL, subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning analysis, NHL news, rumors, trades, contracts and discussion that goes beyond the box score.

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What makes the Syracuse Crunch and Tampa Bay Lightning partnership one of the best in the AHL? We go behind the scenes with Lukas Favale, the voice of the Syracuse Crunch, to take a deep dive into the Crunch's 2025-26 season and the players who could be part of Tampa Bay's future.

Lukas joins Backchecking the Bolts to recap Syracuse's season, discuss why the long-running Lightning–Crunch affiliation works so well, and identify some of the young players Lightning fans should keep an eye on.

We also talk about one of the most entertaining features on the Crunch's social media: Walk and Talk, where Lukas catches up with Crunch players as they walk to the arena and gives fans a more personal look at the players behind the jerseys

Follow Lukas Favale on X and Instagram @LukasFavale

Do you want to watch the Walk & Talks? Go to the Syracuse Crunch Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/syracusecrunch

Find out more information on the Syracuse Crunch at: www.syracusecrunch.com

Watch their games on AHL TV at FloHockey

Listen to the Crunch at www.espnsyracuse.com (ESPN 1200 AM or 97.7 PM)

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