3 Lightning Breakout Candidates For 2025-26 Season
The Tampa Bay Lightning are known for having plenty of veteran stars on their roster. However, they also have some younger players who have the potential to break out and hit new levels next season. Let's discuss three Lightning players who could do just that now.
Conor Geekie just completed his first season in the NHL this year, and he naturally had some growing pains along the way. In 52 games with the Bolts, he posted eight goals, 14 points, and a minus-4 rating. He also played in four post-season games for the Lightning, where he had one assist.
While Geekie's offensive numbers during his rookie season may not stand out, there is no question that the 21-year-old has the potential to break out next season. The 2022 first-round pick has all the tools to blossom into a high-impact top-six forward, and it will be interesting to see if he takes a big step forward in his development next year from here.
Don't be surprised if Dylan Duke gets more opportunities on the Lightning's roster next season. The 22-year-old forward had a solid first season with the Syracuse Crunch in 2024-25, posting 20 goals, 40 points, and a plus-11 rating in 62 games. He also played in his first two NHL games with the Bolts, where he scored a goal.
Duke has shown good promise at the AHL level, and the potential for him to earn a more prominent role with the Lightning next season is there.
Gage Goncalves took a nice step in the right direction this season with the Lightning. In 60 games with the NHL squad, he posted eight goals, 12 assists, and a plus-7 rating. Overall, he showed that he is ready for the NHL, and it would not be shocking at all if his offensive numbers improve next season now that he is more adjusted to the NHL level.
Goncalves should have a more significant role with the Lightning next season and will surely get reps on their power play. It is going to be very fascinating to see what kind of season the 24-year-old can have in 2025-26.
Recent Lightning News
2 Lightning Pending Free Agents Team Must Re-Sign
3 Lightning Who Likely Won't Be Back Next Season
Former Lightning Forward Ties Panthers Team Record
Lightning Assistant GM To Be Hired By New Team
Why Lightning Fans Should Be Excited About New Goalie
Lightning Forward Could Generate Serious Interest This Summer
Lightning Should Make Big Move With Ryan McDonagh
Photo Credit: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
2025 DTM - Round 3 - Zandvoort: Race 2 highlights
Hocker's kick coming along nicely ahead of Philly Nick Zaccardi catches up with Cole Hocker at Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, as they discuss Franklin Field, thoughts on the season, his rivals Josh Kerr and Yared Nuguse, racing the 800m, the state of his kick, and more. 5:26 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
LSU baseball will see familiar foe in first game of College World Series
LSU baseball will see a familiar foe when it gets to Omaha for the College World Series. LSU's first game will be vs. SEC rival Arkansas. LSU and Arkansas both punched their tickets after completing sweeps on Sunday. Arkansas took care of business vs. Tennessee while LSU beat West Virginia. Advertisement The Tigers and Razorbacks met earlier this year in Baton Rouge, with LSU taking two of three for the series win. The Tigers won the Friday night meeting when Jared Jones scored on a walk-off sacrifice fly off the bat of Ethan Frey. LSU mercy ruled Arkansas in Game 2 before the Razorbacks got the best of LSU in Game 3. LSU and Arkansas are probably the strongest teams in the bracket, so meeting in Game 1 isn't ideal for either squad. The winner will be considered the national title favorite while the loser will have to play with its back to the wall. LSU's last trip to the College World Series came in 2023, where LSU also met an SEC foe in Game 1. The Tigers beat Tennessee to open their 2023 campaign in Omaha. This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU baseball to see familiar foe in first game of College World Series
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
WNBA Gives Shoutout to Mystics Star Following 1st Commissioner's Cup Victory
WNBA Gives Shoutout to Mystics Star Following 1st Commissioner's Cup Victory originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On Sunday, the Washington Mystics snapped their three-game losing streak and had a 104-67 victory over the Connecticut Sun. The Mystics are coming off an 86-78 loss against the New York Liberty on Thursday. The team improved to a 4-6 record and secured their first win in the Commissioner's Cup. Advertisement The rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, combined for 23 points. Citron added three rebounds, four assists and two steals on 50% shooting from the field. Iriafen, on the other hand, had five rebounds and two assists. But the story of the evening was the excellent performance from Brittney Sykes. The 31-year-old guard continues to show off her brilliant play on the court. Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes reacts after a three-point Suanes-Imagn Images Sykes led the team with 28 points, three rebounds and six assists. She shot 50% from the field and 93.3% from the free throw line. She bounced back after logging just seven points on 2-for-9 shooting in their contest against the Liberty. Advertisement After her outing against the Sun, Sykes was recognized by the WNBA. She now has the most 20-point games in the league this season with seven. "Brittney Sykes put up 28 PTS, 3 REB, & 6 AST in the Mystics' dominant 37-PT win over the Sun to claim their first Commissioner's Cup victory!" the WNBA posted on X. "She now has the most 20+ PT games in the league this season." For the first time in her career, Sykes is the leading scorer. She's averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in eight games. Following the contest, Citron had high praise for her veteran teammate. Advertisement 'I think from her performance today,' the rookie said. 'Her aggressiveness, but then her ability to also create for her teammates.' The Mystics will continue with the Commissioner's Cup on Sunday, June 15, against the Atlanta Dream. Related: Mystics Catch Break After Fever Announce Unfortunate Caitlin Clark News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
