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.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBL #BackcheckingTheBolts #ChrisKreider #TBLightning

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.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBLightning #TBL #NHLNews

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)

#TampaBayLightning #SyracuseCrunch #TBLightning #TBL #GoBolts #CrunchTime

The NHL continues to explore expansion opportunities—but could Houston become the league's 33rd franchise?

In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, host Jason Linkes is joined by Matt Savage from the Mission Control: Houston Hockey Podcast to discuss one of hockey's hottest topics.

🏒 Topics include:

• Why Houston is considered a leading NHL expansion candidate
• Why the NHL values Houston as one of America's largest media markets
• The challenges of launching another professional sports franchise in an already crowded market
• Houston's hockey history and fan support
• What ownership and arena questions still need to be answered
• How Houston compares to other expansion candidates

If you're interested in NHL expansion, Houston hockey, the future of the NHL, or the business of professional sports, this episode is packed with insight.

Guest: Matt Savage – Mission Control: Houston Hockey Podcast
Host: Jason Linkes

Mission Control: Houston Hockey Podcast

X: @MCHockeyPodcast

Instagram: @MCHockeyPodcast

YouTube: @MCHockeyPodcast

#GoBolts #NHL #NHLExpansion #HoustonNHL #HoustonHockey #Hockey #NHLtoHouston #NHL33

Are the Tampa Bay Lightning actually better on paper heading into the new NHL season? On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we take an in-depth look at the Lightning's offseason roster changes and whether they've improved enough to contend for another Stanley Cup.

We also tackle one of the biggest questions facing Tampa Bay: Could the Lightning survive a long-term injury to Andrei Vasilevskiy? How much of the team's success still depends on one of the NHL's elite goaltenders?

Plus, we discuss the future of franchise superstar Nikita Kucherov. When his current contract expires, what would a hometown discount look like for the Bolts?

Leave your thoughts in the comments: Are the Lightning better than they were when last season ended?

#GoBolts #TBL #TBLightning #NHL #HockeyPodcast #TampaBayLightning

How much of an advantage do NHL teams in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Nevada, and other no state income tax states really have under the NHL salary cap?

In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, host Jason Linkes sits down with renowned sports economist Victor Matheson, Professor of Economics at Holy Cross, to break down one of hockey's most debated topics. Does the salary cap truly create competitive balance, or do tax laws give certain franchises a significant edge?

The conversation also explores many of the biggest business issues facing professional hockey, including:

🏒 Do no state income tax teams have a real salary cap advantage?
💰 The economics behind NHL arena financing and taxpayer-funded stadiums
📈 Why franchise values have skyrocketed in recent years
🏟️ Which cities could become future NHL relocation destinations
🌎 Expansion vs. relocation: What's next for the NHL?
📊 The biggest economic challenges the NHL will face over the next decade
💵 How salary caps influence competitive balance across professional sports

Whether you're a hockey fan, sports business enthusiast, or simply interested in the economics behind professional sports, this episode provides an in-depth look at the financial forces shaping the NHL today and into the future.

🎙️ Guest: Victor Matheson – Sports Economist & Professor of Economics, College of the Holy Cross

👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Turn on Notifications for more interviews covering the Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL news, player analysis, salary cap discussions, and the business of hockey.

#NHL #SalaryCap #VictorMatheson #SportsEconomics #TampaBayLightning #NHLBusiness #SportsBusiness

The Tampa Bay Lightning made two intriguing additions this offseason in John Carlson and Jeffrey Viel, but what should Lightning fans realistically expect?

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, host Jason Linkes is joined by Patrick Present, Team Editor and Reporter covering the Anaheim Ducks for The Hockey News, to break down both of Tampa Bay's newest players and discuss the biggest story of the NHL offseason—the Leo Carlsson offer sheet.

Patrick Present's Social Media and Contacts:
Instagram: patrickcpresent

X: @PatrickCPresent

Facebook: PatCPresent

The Hockey News: https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks

If you enjoy in-depth Tampa Bay Lightning coverage featuring reporters from around the NHL, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode of Backchecking the Bolts.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LetsGoDucks #TBL #LeoCarlsson #AnaheimDucks #NHL #NHLFreeAgency

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been busy during NHL free agency, and we're breaking down everything you need to know on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts.

🏒 In this episode:

• * Complete breakdown of the Lightning's free agent signings
• Which players left Tampa Bay and how those departures impact the roster
• * The biggest signings from around the NHL and which teams improved the most

  * What these moves mean for the Lightning heading into the 2026-27 NHL season

Join the Backchecking the Bolts crew as they go beyond the headlines with analysis, opinions, and discussion on one of the busiest times of the NHL offseason.

📺 Listen & Watch
🎙️ YouTube: Backchecking the Bolts

Follow us for more Tampa Bay Lightning coverage:
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