from Michael Traikos of the National Post,
The phrase “all-in” gets tossed around a lot in pro sports. But in Tampa Bay’s case, it’s accurate. This is the year that the Lightning have to make their big push and win a Stanley Cup. After all, based on who’s due to receive raises and who still needs to be re-signed, the team could look a lot different a year from now.
The only question is will the Lightning, who are going down the same road that the Chicago Blackhawks traveled down, be able to win a Stanley Cup before the roster gets split up?
It’s the same question that the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews to sign in the summer, could also be asking. But if you think GM Kyle Dubas has his hands full, take a look at the contractual challenges facing Lightning GM Julien BriseBois.
Let’s start with Nikita Kucherov, who entered Thursday night leading the Art Ross Trophy race with 75 points in 47 games. This season, he’s one of the best bargains in the NHL, with a cap hit of $4.766-million. Next season, his salary increases to $9.5-million. Also due to receive raises are defenceman Ryan McDonagh, who goes from $4.7-million to $6.75-million, and Yanni Gourde, who gets a $4.166-million bump from the $1-million he is currently earning.
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