The Tampa Bay Lightning have found themselves in a peculiar spot during the 2026 NHL Draft. For a franchise that’s been a dominant force in recent years, having only one first-round draft pick since 2020 is quite the anomaly. And this year, once again, they were spectators during the first round, with no new top-tier prospects joining their ranks on Friday.
The reason for this absence? A strategic decision made back in March 2025.
The Lightning traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Seattle Kraken as part of the deal that brought Oliver Bjorkstrand to Tampa. That pick then embarked on its own journey, briefly landing with the Florida Panthers before the Ottawa Senators finally used it to select Jonas Lagerberg Hoen.
But don’t think for a second that the Lightning’s draft weekend is over. Day two promises to be bustling for General Manager Julien BriseBois and his team.
With seven picks lined up, starting with the 58th overall in the second round, there’s plenty of opportunity to bolster their roster with fresh talent. They’ve got selections in the third round, a trio in the fifth, and one each in the sixth and seventh rounds.
So, while the first round might have been quiet for Tampa Bay, the action is just heating up. Keep an eye on how they maneuver through the later rounds - after all, the draft is often where hidden gems are found, and the Lightning have a knack for uncovering talent that others might overlook.
In Other News...
Lightning May Be Bracing To Lose Familiar Forwards This Summer
The Lightning used the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft to add six more prospects, including three forwards, two defensemen and a goaltender, while also making a small move up the board that showed how much they valued one of their targets. Tampa Bay sent the 58th and 133rd picks to Edmonton to jump six spots and take Oleg Kulebiakin at No. 52, a player GM Julien BriseBois described as bringing both skill and a strong work ethic to the organization.
Even with the draft class in hand, the more pressing questions for Tampa Bay are coming with the start of free agency. BriseBois said some players are expected to hit the market, and the Lightning are still working through contract matters elsewhere on the roster, leaving the front office with more to sort out as summer begins. The team has added bodies for the future, but the shape of the current lineup could still change in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]
Crunch Step Up For Mental Health In A Proud Lightning Family Moment
Members of the Syracuse Crunch took part in NAMIWalks Syracuse over the weekend, adding a visible hockey presence to an event focused on mental health awareness and services. The walk drew 145 participants across 14 teams and raised $36,479, a reminder that the Lightning organizations reach extends well beyond the ice through its affiliates and community ties.
A similar NAMIWalks event is coming to Tampa on Oct. 24, and interest is already building there with 46 participants registered. For a Lightning family that has long emphasized local connection, it sets up another chance for players, staff and supporters to show up for a cause that has become an increasingly important part of the conversation around sports and community support. [Read more 🡒]