u/C00T3RIFIC

Did one of these yesterday so I figured i'd do it again since it pertains to the Lightning from the leagues most reputable insider. Friedge was on The Fan Hockey Show this morning and the Lightning came up at the end of the segment. If you want to listen it was during the last 30 min of the episode.

The big highlights were:

Friedman started off by saying he missed Hedman's interview. Asked FAN if he gave any sort of indication he was retiring or not playing next season. Response when told no was he just wasnt sure and did not want to say anything out of place since he did not listen to Hedman yet.

Was not shocked the Cooper is staying in Tampa. Like everyone else, basically said Cooper is here until he does not want to be but he believes JBB and Cooper are mainstays in our organization for years to come. Has no indication that either party wants to leave and ownership is fully behind both, especially Cooper.

Thinks something big is coming, JBB and Cooper view four round 1 exits as "completely unacceptable"

Reiterates JBB was close to adding a "prominent" and "high end" center at the deadline to take some of the pressure off of Point. Outside of Point, our centers are defensive focused and not line drivers.

Still believes JBB will target a top line center this summer, however, a lot hinges on how close Sam O'Reilly is to making the roster.

Many people around the league think SOR is close, if not already, NHL ready. Many executives believe his ceiling is 1c and is an incredible two way player. Would not be shocked if he is playing top 6 minutes next year. However, Tampa likes their guys to get some time in Syracuse but thinks SOR could be an exception. Very excited to see where this goes.

Kuch is likely staying (though you never know with JBB) but thinks a contract extension is probably closer than either side is letting on. Would not be surprised if something is announced in the near future.

The big question this offseason will be around Raddysh. Reiterates that Tampa has a line and will not go above it. JBB has stood firm on this and will not budge. Hedman being back adds another layer here, limiting Raddysh's play time primarily to the powerplay.

Tampa will get beat by other offers, though he has been getting mixed messages on Raddysh's market all year, including after our elimination. Many people believe he benefitted from playing with Kuch. However, lack of free agents will drive his price up.

Once again, this should be an interesting summer!

Despite what you think the Lightning should or should not do, Friedman had some interesting insights from this morning's 32 Thoughts podcast, around the 13 min mark.

He believes major changes are coming. His quote is JBB and Cooper are too fierce of competitors and four straight first round exits is not acceptable. Whether he agrees with that decision is to be seen but he does not think they run it back with this same roster and/or core.

We had a major trade lined up to add a top 6 center at the deadline. Does not know who, but he has suspicions (Kadri maybe?), but the team feels they need to lighten Points load. When he is not going, neither is the offense - hence what we saw this series.

To make this move we'd have to offload a roster player who was not viewed as a key piece (Bjorkstrand) as a cap dump. Once the deal fell through, no other moves will be made. He did mention that this specific move cannot be readdressed this offseason but still thinks we target a center. More or less, Point has miles and cant be expected to drive the team like he has been.

Lastly, he is not sure what is expected to come of Hedman but whether he returns or not, Raddysh has established himself as a key piece of this team, especially on the power play. JBB will aim to keep Raddysh but not overpay but he thinks both parties will get a deal done. Both have benefitted from each other, but there is a limit to what Tampa will do.

Doomer or Boomer, Friedman is the most plugged in guy in the league so take what he says with merit. This is going to be an interesting offseason.