The Tampa Bay Lightning made two intriguing additions this offseason in John Carlson and Jeffrey Viel, but what should Lightning fans realistically expect?

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, host Jason Linkes is joined by Patrick Present, Team Editor and Reporter covering the Anaheim Ducks for The Hockey News, to break down both of Tampa Bay's newest players and discuss the biggest story of the NHL offseason—the Leo Carlsson offer sheet.

Patrick Present's Social Media and Contacts:
Instagram: patrickcpresent

X: @PatrickCPresent

Facebook: PatCPresent

The Hockey News: https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks

If you enjoy in-depth Tampa Bay Lightning coverage featuring reporters from around the NHL, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode of Backchecking the Bolts.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LetsGoDucks #TBL #LeoCarlsson #AnaheimDucks #NHL #NHLFreeAgency

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been busy during NHL free agency, and we're breaking down everything you need to know on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts.

🏒 In this episode:

• * Complete breakdown of the Lightning's free agent signings
• Which players left Tampa Bay and how those departures impact the roster
• * The biggest signings from around the NHL and which teams improved the most

  * What these moves mean for the Lightning heading into the 2026-27 NHL season

Join the Backchecking the Bolts crew as they go beyond the headlines with analysis, opinions, and discussion on one of the busiest times of the NHL offseason.

📺 Listen & Watch
🎙️ YouTube: Backchecking the Bolts

Follow us for more Tampa Bay Lightning coverage:
🐦 X: @Tampa_Bolts_Pod
📸 Instagram: @BackcheckingTheBolts
📘 Facebook: Backchecking the Bolts

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #NHLFreeAgency #Lightning #TBL

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, Jason and Justin break down the latest NHL Trade Frenzy as teams make major moves before the NHL Entry Draft.

🏒 Topics on this episode:

⚡ Darren Raddysh traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs

• How does Tampa Bay replace a key defenseman?
• Did the Lightning make the right move?

🦅 Alex Tuch traded to the Washington Capitals

• Washington adds size, scoring, and another veteran weapon
• Are the Capitals loading up for another playoff push?

🔥 Bowen Byram traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in a blockbuster deal

• Chicago sends a package including the #4 overall pick in the NHL Draft
• Did Buffalo make the right decision moving on from Byram?

🎙️ Plus, Jonah Ahrens from The Sabre Report Podcast joins the conversation with his reaction and analysis of the Byram trade from the Buffalo perspective.

We also open up the Backchecking the Bolts Mailbag and answer YOUR questions from social media!

🌎 Finally, Jason and Justin discuss the NHL’s latest expansion possibilities:
⭐ Could the league return to Texas with a new team in Houston or Austin?
⭐ Would another Southern NHL market work?

#GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #NHLTradeRumors #NHLDraft #NHLExpansion #NHL