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

Former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Peter Taglianetti joins Backchecking the Bolts to look back on an incredible hockey journey that stretched from college hockey greatness to the biggest stage in the NHL.

Taglianetti was a member of the inaugural 1992-93 Tampa Bay Lightning team and shares stories about playing for an expansion franchise built by Phil Esposito, what the early days of Lightning hockey were really like, and how Tampa Bay began building its NHL identity.

Before arriving in Tampa, Peter played at Providence College under legendary coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello, was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, and credits former Norris Trophy winner Randy Carlyle as an important mentor during his early NHL career.

Taglianetti also reflects on his championship years with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992 alongside some of hockey’s greatest players.

Plus — hear the unbelievable story of Peter’s appearance in the famous 1993 Yokozuna Body Slam Challenge aboard the USS Intrepid, one of the most memorable crossover moments between the NHL and WWE.

Topics Include:
⚡ Joining the first-ever Tampa Bay Lightning roster
⚡ Playing for Phil Esposito
⚡ Lessons from Lou Lamoriello at Providence College
⚡ Being mentored by Randy Carlyle with the Winnipeg Jets
⚡ Winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins
⚡ Mario Lemieux, championship teams & NHL memories
⚡ The 1993 Yokozuna Body Slam Challenge

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning interviews, NHL stories, analysis, and conversations that go beyond the box score.

#GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #NHL #LetsGoPens #StanleyCup #WWE

The Tampa Bay Lightning offseason rumors are heating up, and Backchecking the Bolts is breaking it all down!

On this episode, Justin brings some big “What Ifs?” from the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2025-26.

Jason and Justin discuss whether Nick Paul could become a trade candidate as the Lightning look at their roster, salary cap situation, and potential moves heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.

We dive into the Dylan Larkin trade rumors and debate where Tampa Bay stacks up among possible landing spots for the Detroit Red Wings captain.

#TBL #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #HockeyPodcast #TBLightning #StanleyCupPlayoffs

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we go north of the border for a deep dive into the future of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization as we are joined by Andrew Merrigan and Justin Born from The Aud Pod, covering the Kitchener Rangers.

Andrew and Justin give us an inside look at two of Tampa Bay’s most exciting young prospects — Sam O’Reilly and Jack Pridham — after watching them up close during their season with the Rangers.

A huge thank you to Andrew Merrigan and Justin Born of The Aud Pod for joining us and providing their firsthand insight into two players who could become important pieces of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s future.

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning interviews, prospect coverage, NHL Draft analysis, and everything Bolts hockey.

Follow Backchecking the Bolts on the following platforms.

RawCharge: www.rawcharge.com

Twitter: Backchecking the Bolts - Podcast (@Tampa_Bolts_Pod) / X

Instagram: (1) Instagram

Facebook: Facebook

email: backcheckingthebolts@yahoo.com

Follow the Aud Pod on the following platforms:

Instagram: Instagram

YouTube: The AudPod - YouTube

Facebook: Facebook

#GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #OHL #KitchenerRangers #SamOReilly #JackPridham #NHLDraft #TBLightning

The Stanley Cup Final is here, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down the biggest storylines surrounding the battle for hockey’s ultimate prize!

We’ll discuss:
🏆 Stanley Cup Final preview and predictions
⚡ What the Tampa Bay Lightning can learn from this year’s finalists
⚡ The future of the Bolts prospect pipeline
⭐ Sam O’Reilly’s potential impact in Tampa Bay
⭐ Benjamin Rautiainen’s breakout and NHL future
💰 Which NHL free agents could be available on July 1st and whether any make sense for the Lightning

#tampabaylightning #GoBolts #stanleycupfinals #NHLPlayoffs #TBL #StanleyCup

Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward and 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Eric Perrin joins Backchecking the Bolts for an in-depth interview covering one of hockey’s most unique career journeys.

Eric discusses his path from the University of Vermont to professional hockey after going undrafted, eventually earning his opportunity with the Lightning and becoming part of Tampa Bay’s historic 2004 Stanley Cup championship team.

The conversation also dives into his remarkable European hockey career, including his time in Finland’s Liiga, where he became the highest-scoring foreign-born player in league history. Eric shares stories from his NHL career, adapting to European hockey, playing overseas, and what it took to build a long and successful professional career.

If you enjoy Tampa Bay Lightning history, NHL interviews, hockey podcasts, and stories of perseverance in professional hockey, this episode is for you.

For more information on the Dayton Ice Arena and the programs offered, please visit:
https://daytonaicearena.com/

To follow the University of Vermont men's hockey program, click the link below:
https://uvmathletics.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #StanleyCup #TBLightning #Liiga #GoCatsGo #UVM