The Atlantic Division remains the toughest in the NHL going into the new season and the solid consistency of the Tampa Bay Lightning remains a big reason why. 

Although the Lightning have not escaped the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs since losing to the Avalanche in the 2022 Final, Tampa Bay is a model team in the league. 

This offseason did not bring much change to the Lightning — but did it really need a whole lot?

The Lightning are coming off a season in which it finished second in the rough-and-tumble Atlantic behind Buffalo, losing in 7 games to a Montreal Canadiens team that made it all the way to the Eastern Conference final. 

In the Atlantic, as we noted last week in the review of the Florida Panthers’ offseason, all eight of the teams in the division could be in the fight for a playoff spot this coming season.

Yes, while teams like Ottawa, Detroit, and Toronto have their issues, it is not a stretch to imagine a season where things go their way — see Boston last year — and the division is even tougher than before. 

As for the Lightning, this offseason had its moments but not much drama; GM Julien BriseBois simply added to his core group of players. 

The Lightning has been to the playoffs nine straight seasons with two Stanley Cup championships credited to its main group. 

Nikita Kucherov is coming off yet another monster season and is eligible for a contract extension. 

Although that bit of work has not been done this offseason, it is just another piece of business for the Lightning. 

At least they hope so. 

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING OFFSEASON

Key Additions: D John Carlson (FA-Anaheim); F Ilya Mikheyev (FA-Chicago); F Jeffrey Viel (FA-Anaheim); G Dennis Hildeby (Trade-Toronto); 

Key Subtractions: D Darren Raddysh (T-FA Toronto); F Nick Paul (T-Toronto); F Corey Perry (FA-Los Angeles); F Oliver Bjorkstrand (FA-NY Rangers); D Declan Carlile (FA-Pittsburgh)

The Big Move: Someone was going to overpay Raddysh after his big season in Tampa Bay last season — only it was not going to be the Lightning. Tampa Bay traded his rights to the Maple Leafs who signed the 30-year old to an eight-year deal after he put up career numbers for the Bolts. The Lightning replaced him with the veteran Carlson, giving him a two-year deal worth $17 million.

The Big Gamble: The Lightning will try and replace some of the minutes Raddysh covered with Carlson who split his time last season with the Capitals and Ducks. Carlson is 36 but should be a low-risk move for Tampa Bay; although he will get about what Raddysh would cost for the next two seasons, it’s only for the next two seasons. Carlson is a Cup champion with Washington and should fit right in with the Lightning. 

The Grade: B+. The Lightning did not make many big swings, nor did it have to. Mikheyev could turn out to be a real nice add to the bottom-6 and Hildeby may give Andrei Vasilevskiy a little bit of relief if needed.

ON DECK: FLORIDA PANTHERS OFFSEASON