Evening Notes: Blueger, Fowler, McKenna
The Vancouver Canucks are expected to have a high asking price for potential rental center Teddy Blueger, as written by Thomas Drance in an article with The Athletic from last week.
The 31-year-old had to miss a large portion of the season with an undisclosed injury, but since being activated on January 21, he’s been on a hot streak with five points in his last five games. Never notching more than 28 points in a campaign, Blueger is more of a penalty killing role player, but especially in such a thin center market, with a $1.8MM cap hit, he will come at a premium.
Nearly three years ago, Blueger was traded from Pittsburgh to Vegas for a third round pick, then catching on with Vancouver as a free agent. It’s hard to imagine the Canucks will part with him for less than that, considering demand and his strong play of late.
Contenders will have a chance to watch Blueger play a large role against elite competition on the global stage. He is helping lead Team Latvia in the Olympic Games, before coming back to the bottom ranked Canucks heading into the Trade Deadline season.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Montreal Canadiens top goalie prospect Jacob Fowler will miss AHL All Star festivities due to an upper-body injury, the Laval Rocket shared. The 21-year-old has proven to be a steal, chosen in the third round of the 2023 draft out of Boston College and now one of the league’s premier goaltender prospects. Fowler has a .914 save percentage, good for fourth in the AHL, on the sixth-ranked Rocket. Still early in his professional career, the Florida native already appeared in 10 games with the big club this season and performed well. The Rocket noted that he will still “remain on the bench” so it is likely precautionary and no cause for real concern.
- Top 2026 draft prospect Gavin McKenna is expected to return this weekend, according to Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald. NHL scouts were apparently notified that the Penn State star will be in action at Michigan in a huge matchup between the two top five ranked Big 10 teams. McKenna has had an eventful February, starting with an arrest and felony aggravated assault charges, which were eventually withdrawn. He still faces a misdemeanor charge, but an initial court date tomorrow has been postponed, meaning the 18-year-old can focus fully on the Wolverines.
Longtime Canucks Broadcaster Jim Robson Passes Away
Retired Vancouver Canucks play-by-play announcer Jim Robson has passed away at the age of 91, the news shared by Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK. He was an original part of the team, joining as they entered the NHL as an expansion franchise in 1970, making his mark in the booth all the way until 1999 in a legendary career across both radio and television.
Known as the Voice of the Canucks for 29 years, Robson earned the opportunity to work for Hockey Night in Canada, as well as assignments for the Stanley Cup Finals four times. In 1982, he covered the Finals as his Canucks took on the eventual champion New York Islanders.
The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native is also well intertwined with New York’s history, as his call of Bob Nystrom’s Stanley Cup-winning overtime goal in 1980 proved to be a highlight of an impressive career.
As for his own team, Robson’s narration of Greg Adams’ overtime winner sending Vancouver to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994 was another unforgettable moment. In a post shared by Dallas Stars broadcaster Daryl Reaugh, Robson reflected on the Canucks’ 1994 run with Vancouver News six years ago.
Robson moved fully to television after the 1993-94 season, his last game on the radio airwaves proving to be a memorable one, game seven of the Finals between the Canucks and the Rangers.
In 1998-99, Robson’s final year, he shared duty with John Shorthouse who remains Vancouver’s current voice on television to this day, as the torch was passed on. Rogers Arena’s broadcast booth is named after Robson, as he will be remembered for years to come as a pillar of the Canucks.
A recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 1992, honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame as a distinguished broadcaster, Robson is also a member of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame and the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame.
We at Pro Hockey Rumors send our condolences to Robson’s family, friends, and peers.
Snapshots: Predators, Vilmanis, Schwartz
As the Nashville Predators take first steps into their general manager search, following Barry Trotz’s sudden resignation announcement earlier this week, an interesting roadblock emerged. According to Insider Frank Seravalli, the NHL Players Association is reviewing Creative Artists Agency, who were hired by the franchise to conduct their search.
The agency also represents NHL players, and therefore may not be permitted for involvement in front office personnel processes, even if coming from a different arm of the agency. It is considered a potential conflict of interest. CAA’s website shows a long list of NHL players represented, headlined by Sidney Crosby, not to mention Predators cornerstone Filip Forsberg and numerous other stars of the game.
A somewhat similar situation occurred in 2023, also reported by Seravalli back then, when the NHLPA investigated former Maple Leafs and current Penguins GM Kyle Dubas’ relationship with an agency connected to Auston Matthews and other NHLers, which did not lead to violations. It’s unclear what will arise from the situation with CAA and the Predators, but worth monitoring nonetheless.
Until a candidate is selected, Trotz is set to maintain his role as long as needed, steering the franchise into the Trade Deadline season where Nashville must decide between selling or keeping the band together for a Wild Card push.
On today’s episode of the DFO Rundown podcast, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that Nashville had a few trades in the works this week that fell through, and may be revisited after the Olympic break. As Trotz works through his final chapter, he figures to be active with high trade demands to leave his franchise in a good place for the next regime.
Elsewhere across the league:
- The Florida Panthers shared mid-game that Sandis Vilmanis wouldn’t return due to an upper-body injury. The forward delivered a controversial hit to Bruins star Charlie McAvoy, making the head a main point of contact, while McAvoy is wearing a full shield recovering from a broken jaw. Vilmanis was assessed only a minor penalty, not returning afterward, but the incident could receive further discipline. The 22-year-old with 12 NHL games under his belt is far from a household name, but Vilmanis was named to Latvia’s Olympic roster and his injury status could have implications for Milan. He is one of eight active NHL skaters on the nation’s squad.
- Ahead of tonight’s game in Los Angeles, the Seattle Kraken revealed forward Jaden Schwartz wouldn’t play due to a lower-body injury. The veteran already missed a chunk of the campaign for such an injury, and while it’s not clear if they are related naturally there’s cause for concern. When healthy, the 33-year-old remains effective, notching 19 points in 36 games, par for the course in his Kraken tenure over the past several years. Seattle has been sniffing around in the trade market as they gear up for a run at the postseason, and hopefully Schwartz will take the Olympic break to get healthy in time to play his part this spring.
Evening Notes: Panarin, Kaiser, Dach, Marchenko
As the dust settles from today’s blockbuster in which the Rangers dealt Artemi Panarin to the Kings in exchange for top prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round pick, more details on the other suitors have emerged.
It was noted yesterday by TSN’s Chris Johnston on Insider Trading that a team had offered as much as $40MM, and the mystery club may now be revealed. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that the Seattle Kraken made a strong effort to acquire the superstar, offering him an extension in the 3-4 year range, worth what Pagnotta said is “north” of $12MM per year. The contract could have doubled term compared to what Panarin promptly signed with Los Angeles, a two-year extension worth $11MM each year.
Despite proving not enough to sway Panarin into waiving his no-trade clause to head up to Washington, the effort is commendable from Kraken GM Jason Botterill as his team is in Wild Card range, hungry to make a splash to earn their second playoff berth in their fifth season as a franchise. It’s curious to imagine if former fourth overall pick Shane Wright could have been off to New York. One week ago, it was reported the Kraken were open to dealing him for a “dynamic top-six scoring winger”, and the “Breadman” certainly fits the bill.
Additionally, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan mentioned the Hurricanes, Lightning, and Capitals as among the “several teams circling at the end”, however, Panarin told management that he was set on Los Angeles. Crossing off another major city in his career after stops in Chicago and New York, Panarin’s preference limited Rangers GM Chris Drury’s trade leverage considerably. He has caught criticism for the return, but as noted by Kaplan, the Rangers feel they plucked the Kings’ best prospect in Greentree, and time will tell.
The break is nearly upon us, and although Panarin’s new team plays tomorrow night in Vegas as their final pre-Olympics action, Kings Manager of Editoral Content Zach Dooley confirmed that he won’t be rushed into duty. It seems likely he could make his highly anticipated debut in their first game back, at home for a Golden Knights rematch on February 25.
Elsewhere across the league:
- The Chicago Blackhawks have had a rough go tonight in Columbus, as first the team announced that defenseman Wyatt Kaiser wouldn’t return, followed by forward Colton Dach, both due to injury. Kaiser’s status is concerning, as Zach Werenski of the Blue Jackets landed in his knee area awkwardly. The 23-year-old has yet to miss a game this season, averaging 19:28 a game across 56 so far. It’s still a work in progress for Kaiser, who doesn’t stand out on the stat sheet, however the lefty already plays a top four role for Chicago as his game develops. Meanwhile, Dach was pinned to the boards by Erik Gudbranson, and it’s not as immediately clear what happened to injure the grinder, who has nine points in 51 games this year.
- Shortly before tonight’s game against the soon-to-be short benched Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda shared that Kirill Marchenko would miss his second straight game due to illness. The 25-year-old leads all Jacket forwards with 46 points in 50 games, continuing to emerge as a star after last year’s 74 point breakout. Marchenko will utilize the Olympic break to get healthy, but in the meantime, Columbus has maintained their surge under new Head Coach Rick Bowness.
Sharks Place Ryan Reaves On IR, Activate Kiefer Sherwood
Feb. 4: Sherwood will indeed be activated from IR in the corresponding move and make his Sharks debut tonight, Pashelka reports. It will be the right-winger’s first appearance in nearly a month, last suiting up for Vancouver on Jan. 10 because of his upper-body injury.
Feb. 3: The San Jose Sharks have placed Ryan Reaves on injured reserve, according to Curtis Pashelka, San Jose Sharks beat writer.
The team has one more game before the Olympic Break, taking on Colorado tomorrow night. Reaves has been designated with an upper-body injury, despite playing as recently as last night. Although he will have to miss the next three games at a minimum, it doesn’t appear to be anything serious for the 39-year-old.
Today’s news suggests that Kiefer Sherwood, acquired from Vancouver on January 19, could be set to finally make his Sharks debut tomorrow, currently sidelined by an upper-body injury as well.
Unsurprisingly, Reaves has not made an impact on the score sheet this season, but he’s managed to appear in 46 of the team’s 54 games to this point, with 32 penalty minutes. The grinder has found the back of the net three times, averaging 7:58 of ice time per game. His 41.8% Corsi for all situations is among the lowest in the league, but the respected veteran is a beloved teammate in San Jose, currently playing out the final year of a three-year contract worth $1.35MM per season.
With Reaves’ leadership playing a key role, boosting the average of what is one of the youngest teams in the NHL, the Sharks are right in the playoff mix. They are vying to end their six-year drought impressively ahead of schedule. Reaves figures to return soon after the break, the 2005 fifth-round pick adding to his improbable 958-game journey as a lasting figure of a previous era.
Evening Notes: O’Connor, Laine, McCarron
Colorado Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar told reporters earlier today, including Meghan Angley of Guerilla Sports, that Logan O’Connor has resumed skating and is progressing. Bednar also emphasized that the upcoming Olympic break will benefit the forward as he works toward a debut this season.
The 29-year-old has been out long term after undergoing hip surgery in June, the second such procedure since 2024. Signed to an extension through the 2030-31 season, when healthy, the Avalanche are banking on the undrafted O’Connor to be a relentless bottom six forward with strong defensive capabilities and penalty killing. He is firmly a 20-30 point contributor at this point, but not needed for more on the high flying team.
Even without him, the Avalanche rank comfortably in first place, and O’Connor will be a classic case of “Trade Deadline at Home”, rejoining the team just in time for a run this spring.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Canadiens forward Patrik Laine is not expected to return tomorrow against his former club at Winnipeg, per Eric Engels of Sportsnet. The sniper will have to look past the Olympic break to make a return, after undergoing surgery in October, and not playing since. In just five games prior to going down, Laine recorded just one helper, as he continues to have highs and lows. The 27-year-old will be in a fascinating spot once healthy, as Montreal is holding firm playoff position without him and may not be so keen to shake up their lineup. On the flip side, the former 40-goal-scorer is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and will be anxious to showcase his worth for a new opportunity, likely elsewhere.
- Nashville Predators pending free agent Michael McCarron has interest from “a lot” of teams, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, shared on yesterday’s episode of the Real Kyper & Bourne podcast. The 30-year-old was listed as a possible trade candidate last week, and now a market is taking shape which may prove enough to sway Nashville to part with their respected grinder. A face-off specialist standing at 6’6″ with serious physicality and just a $900k cap hit, the former first-round pick of Montreal isn’t necessarily a “must” trade, given his improvement as a Predator, but GM Barry Trotz, who made headlines with his sudden resignation announcement yesterday, would be wise to capitalize on a seller’s market where a second or third round pick isn’t entirely out of possibility.
Trade Deadline Primer: New York Rangers
With the Olympic break approaching, the trade deadline is about a month away. Where does each team stand, and what moves should they be looking to make? We continue our look around the league with teams that have clear plans at the extremes of the standings, next with the Rangers.
After missing the playoffs last season, it was becoming apparent that New York’s rebuild was not materializing as envisioned, but few would have expected “The Letter: Part Two”. Eager to turn the corner under new Head Coach Mike Sullivan, the Rangers had a strange start to the season, losing their first seven at home, but winning enough on the road to stay afloat at first. Then came the injuries, as the group was battered, numerous key players going down, dropping them to 30th in the league. On January 16, GM Chris Drury shared a letter to fans detailing the team’s plans to “retool”, soon dealing veteran defenseman Carson Soucy to the rival Islanders. Now, franchise cornerstone Artemi Panarin is headed out the door at any moment, as New York finds themselves back where they started seven years ago.
Record
22-28-6, 8th in the Metropolitan (0% playoff probability)
Deadline Status
Seller
Deadline Cap Space
$4.77MM on deadline day, 0/3 retention slots used, 47/50 contracts used, per PuckPedia.
Upcoming Draft Picks
2026: NYR 1st, CAR 1st, CAR 2nd, NYR 3rd, NYI 3rd, NYR 5th, NYR 6th, VAN 7th
2027: NYR 1st, NYR 3rd, NYR 5th, NYR 6th, NYR 7th
Trade Chips
It’s far from a secret who Drury has set in his first order of business. 12 days after waiving a white flag on 2025-26, the major headline dropped that Panarin would be sat for roster-related reasons. Since then, a third of the league has been reported as having interest, most notably the Panthers, Hurricanes, Kings, Sharks, and Capitals. Wednesday’s 3 PM EST Olympic roster freeze stands as a roadblock, but the superstar has unfavorably had to sit for the last three games, and a deal seems imminent, even if shortly after the Olympics.
Suitors are working through the need to extend Panarin, but New York holds all three retention spaces. They would be wise to send their star with retained salary, and an extension set up, to maximize a return with their biggest chip.
Already aggressive enough to add Kiefer Sherwood, San Jose would be a fascinating fit, showcasing their intent on serious contention sooner rather than later. Panarin’s interest in Florida is well known, as he could reunite with Sergei Bobrovsky, but it would require unfathomable gymnastics to work out a deal. Finally, Panarin could be the star Carolina has been patiently waiting to add after Mikko Rantanen didn’t work out.
Besides the Blueshirts’ leading scorer and his expiring $11.6MM contract, it’s not as immediately clear who could be next. In the interest of their retool, it would be ideal to move on from at least one of their three 32-year-old centers; Mika Zibanejad, J.T. Miller, and Vincent Trocheck.
Out of the bunch, Trocheck stands as the only real candidate, given his manageable $5.63MM cap hit. The contract runs through his age 35 season, not necessarily ideal, but given the majorly thin center market, Trocheck could bring a haul for the Rangers. The Pittsburgh native has 36 points in 42 games, enough that center-hungry teams such as the Hurricanes, Avalanche, and Red Wings could make a push. Minnesota is also in the market, however they would have to get creative given limited cap space and trade assets.
New York faces the challenge of having immovable contracts as they navigate a retool. Zibanejad, Miller, and the polarizing Alexis Lafrenière, aside, the issue extends on both ends of the lineup. Last summer’s big ticket, $7MM deal given to 30-year-old Vladislav Gavrikov doesn’t align with their latest plans, neither does 29-year-old Will Borgen’s $4.1MM, both defenders inked through 2029-30.
Jonathan Quick, 40, has an expiring deal worth $1.55MM, but the Stanley Cup winning Connecticut native may not have interest in moving on to a backup role on a contender. As Igor Shesterkin remains out with a lower body injury, Quick is in a favorable situation, able to play regularly as he closes the book on a tremendous career.
Brennan Othmann has been shopped throughout the season, as early as mid-October. The 23-year-old former first round pick is clearly not a traditional deadline piece, but no longer in the plans, he figures to be a “change of scenery” trade candidate, for a similar younger player in need of a new role.
Veterans Sam Carrick and Jonny Brodzinski could fetch middle round draft capital, both bringing strong results at the faceoff dot. Carrick is signed through next year at $1MM, while Brodzinski is a pure rental option, versatile enough to play center or wing.
Conor Sheary makes just $775k, but the 33-year-old has hardly been effective this year, with just one tally in 37 games, not to mention he is currently on LTIR with an upper body injury. When healthy, Sheary has respectable metrics and playoff experience, but he would not bring anything notable in return.
On the back end, Urho Vaakanainen, 27, could bring a bit of intrigue as a 6’2″ lefty penalty killing specialist, as he’s inked through next year at $1.55MM.
Team Needs
NHL-Ready Youth: Given Drury’s phrasing of “This will not be a rebuild. This will be a retool built around our core players and prospects” naturally, for better or worse, New York will seek young players capable of contributing as soon as next season, in all likelihood alongside veterans such as Miller and Zibanejad. Thankfully, as a result of the K’Andre Miller trade, they have an extra first round pick for the upcoming draft already, an asset always needed regardless of “rebuild” or “retool”. However, such a deal is indicative of Drury’s struggles as a whole, as it is players such as Miller who the Rangers are lacking if they can turn it around without entirely bottoming out. The club has a top heavy prospect pool, and a replenishment, especially on the blue line, would be beneficial.
Backup Goaltending: Although the Rangers aren’t in desperate need between the pipes, they could use a boost behind Shesterkin, with Quick’s days numbered. Prospect Dylan Garand’s development has stalled out a bit, still waiting on his NHL debut at age 23, and the Rangers are thin in the goaltending department elsewhere.
Image courtesy of Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Snapshots: Blue Jackets, Chytil, Benson
The Columbus Blue Jackets shared today that Rick Nash has been promoted to Director of Player Personnel, and Chris Clark has been promoted to Assistant General Manager. The two former NHLers have spent several years with the franchise, dating back to the Jarmo Kekäläinen/John Tortorella era.
Upon the end of his 1,060 game, 805 point career, Nash returned to the Columbus organization in 2019, starting out as Special Assistant to the General Manager, before promotions to Director of Player Development and Director of Hockey Operations in the last few years.
With his #61 alone in the rafters of Nationwide Arena, the 41-year-old has made an immeasurable impact in Columbus, starting with his first overall selection back in 2002. Nash spent nine seasons carrying the Blue Jackets as they got off the ground as an expansion franchise, followed by making his mark as a Ranger, as well as a stint in Boston, officially retiring in six years ago.
Meanwhile, Clark has been with the organization since 2012, starting out as a development coach, before moving up in 2019 to Director of Player Personnel and General Manager of the Cleveland Monsters, Columbus’ AHL affiliate. Under Clark, the Monsters have gradually improved year by year, making playoff runs in each of the last two seasons.
The 49-year-old Connecticut native was chosen by Calgary in the 1994 draft, going on to make 607 appearances in the NHL with the Flames, Capitals, and finally, the Blue Jackets, last skating at the highest level in 2010-11.
The franchise icon Nash, along with the highly respected Clark help round out General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Don Waddell’s top brass, the 67-year-old set to reach two years in the role this May. Currently below a Wild Card spot, the Blue Jackets have tremendously found their stride under new Head Coach Rick Bowness, winning eight of his first nine games. With a dynamic young core, the club figures to be on the cusp of another window in years to come, after reaching new heights as an organization in the late 2010s.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Canucks Head Coach Adam Foote told reporters, including Thomas Drance of The Athletic, that Filip Chytil will likely not return tomorrow in Vegas, which is the team’s last action before the Olympic break. The forward is dealing with migraines, concerning as he has struggled with concussions throughout his career, so far holding him back from breaking out as a legit top six forward. Chytil managed to return in late January from another concussion, skating in six games, but not recording a point. Limited to just 27 games as a Canuck, despite a trade from the Rangers which just reached one calendar year ago, unfortunately the 26-year-old is facing real questions about his long-term career in the NHL.
- Sabres forward Zach Benson won’t play tonight in Tampa Bay, as reported by Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News. The 20-year-old took a spill into the boards last night against the Panthers and did not return, due to an apparent upper-body injury which will require further evaluation. Buffalo has one more game before the Olympic Break, and will hope that Benson will not miss serious time. He has notched 26 points in 42 games, needing just five more to set a career high, making the most of a key top six role throughout the campaign.
Ducks Activate Troy Terry, Place Leo Carlsson On Injured Reserve
In advance of tonight’s home game against Vegas, the Anaheim Ducks activated Troy Terry, while Leo Carlsson has landed on injured reserve, per Derek Lee of The Hockey News.
Although not yet official, Terry figures to return to the lineup, as noted by Lee, for his first action since January 6. Meanwhile, the Carlsson news is no real surprise, as he was listed as out three to five weeks in mid-January with a Morel-Lavallée lesion which required a procedure. With the young star’s Olympic status still in flux, today’s note is not necessarily indicative of an update, rather than that Anaheim simply hadn’t yet needed to place him on IR in terms of roster management.
Even without two key players up front, the Ducks have started to turn the tide, winning seven of their last 10. A brutal stretch across New Years where they secured just one point in nine contests appeared to spell the end of a possible run, however, the team is right back into the Wild Card hunt as they aim to end a seven year playoff drought.
The 28-year-old Terry had been playing at a peak level before going down with an upper-body injury, recording 42 points in 43 games, not previously coming so close to point-per-game output so far in his career. Terry particularly showcased playmaking ability, on pace to shatter his current career high of 38 assists, set in 2022-23.
Terry’s metrics also indicate his new heights this season, with an all-time best 54.7% Corsi For in all situations, to go with an elite 91.2% Corsi For in power plays. Naturally having missed 10 games, the Colorado native has slipped among team leaders in scoring, but he still ranks fourth, right in the mix alongside the team’s dynamic young core.
By end of week, Carlsson will have reached three weeks out, after his initial 3-5 week estimation. It’s not too late for some good news in the coming days, but it seems most likely the 21-year-old will have to miss Milan, at least benefiting from the time off. On the other hand Terry will give a big boost for Anaheim as they host the Golden Knights tonight, along with Seattle on Tuesday, before the Olympic Break.
Lightning Activate Victor Hedman, Reassign Maxim Groshev
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is set to return under the lights of today’s Stadium Series game against Boston. The team activated him off injured reserve while assigning Maxim Groshev to the AHL in a corresponding transaction, as reported by Erik Erlendsson of Lightning Insider.
Hedman returning today has been expected in the last 24 hours, but the team had to clear $841k of salary cap space, now out of the way.
The 35-year-old has been sidelined since December 9 after undergoing elbow surgery. Remarkably, even without their #1 defender, the Bolts managed to come away with an 18-3-2 record while he was absent, along with fellow key lefty Ryan McDonagh also missing time. The success is in large part thanks to J.J. Moser and Darren Raddysh, both who are having career years complementing each other in a top pairing role.
Despite being bothered by the lingering elbow issue prior to surgery, Hedman hardly missed a beat, posting 12 helpers in 18 games and handling business in his own end as well, all on 21:05 a night. Finally able to return to action, the 17-year veteran will also have an opportunity to make his Olympic Games debut shortly, where he’ll help lead Team Sweden in Milan.
Considering their dominance even while so thin on the back end, his return along with McDonagh is a scary thought for opponents ahead.
Headed back down, Groshev has been subject of several such transactions throughout the campaign so far, oftentimes a healthy scratch but managing to make his NHL debut in late December, along with another appearance early last week against Utah. The 24-year-old defender notched an assist in his debut, averaging 11:30 across the two games.
Naturally, with Hedman as well as McDonagh healthy again, Groshev could be set to spend the rest of the year with Syracuse, as opportunities narrow. Even if such is the case, the 2020 draftee impressively earned his way to an NHL debut and helped the Lightning hold down the fort, playing as strong as ever. Tonight will be a memorable event for the club as they take the ice at Raymond James Stadium, with a long-awaited return of their captain, no less.