Summer will soon be here, which means NHL free agency is rapidly approaching. In less than two months, NHL teams will look to bring in talent through some big-time spending.
Due to this, NHL insider Frank Seravalli released a list of the NHL's Top 50 UFAs for the 2024 NHL Offseason.
Three Tampa Bay Lightning players made Seravalli's list - captain Steven Stamkos, winger Anthony Duclair, and defenseman Matt Dumba.
Stamkos picked up the No. 3 rank on Seravalli's list. Given his excellent season and overall career, this is not surprising in the slightest. The Lightning legend was dominant this season, posting 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games. He was also impactful during the playoffs, recording five goals and an assist in five games.
GM Julien Brisebois has confirmed that he wants to re-sign Stamkos. However, if they don't get a new deal done, he will be one of the most popular free agents on the market.
Duclair, 29, is ranked at the No. 29 spot. Given how wonderfully he played for the Lightning following his trade from the San Jose Sharks, it is unsurprising to see him get some love as a top free agent. In 17 regular-season games as a Bolt, he had eight goals and 15 points. In 73 games on the year, he had 24 goals and 42 points.
Given how well Duclair played for the Lightning, it's likely that they are at least open to keeping him around. However, with Stamkos needing a deal and the Lightning having limited cap space, it will be tricky.
Dumba, ranked No. 38, is one of the notable pending UFA defensemen who can hit the market this offseason. Teams looking for a veteran blueliner who plays a steady defensive game and provides physicality will surely look to sign Dumba.
In 76 games this season, Dumba had four goals and 12 points.
