The 10 best players from each NHL team: Tampa Bay Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy already carries the reputation of being one of the best goaltenders in the world, and with good reason. His combination of size, athleticism, and mental toughness makes him a difference-maker on any given night.

For the Tampa Bay Lightning, he’s more than just a steady presence in goal — he’s the backbone of the franchise. Time and time again, he’s proven he can steal games and elevate his play when the stakes are highest. With his track record of big performances, Tampa knows it can lean heavily on him. If the Lightning want to push deep into the playoffs again, Vasilevskiy’s dominance between the pipes will be absolutely essential.

Ryan McDonagh may be getting older, but he still plays at a level that makes him one of the stronger two-way defensemen in the NHL. His experience and hockey IQ allow him to read the game at an elite level, and he continues to make smart, reliable plays under pressure.

His value goes beyond just defending — he can contribute offensively when needed, while also serving as a steady presence on the blue line. Younger players benefit from his leadership and calm demeanor, and he remains a key part of Tampa Bay’s structure. Even as the years go by, McDonagh’s impact on both ends of the ice makes him a vital piece of the team’s success.

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a deliberate move to bring Yanni Gourde back from Seattle, knowing exactly what he offers both on and off the ice. His leadership qualities are undeniable — he brings energy, accountability, and a winning mentality to every game, traits that were deeply valued during his first stint in Tampa.

On the ice, Gourde’s relentless work ethic and versatility make him a reliable piece in all situations. He can provide secondary scoring, kill penalties, and spark momentum with his tenacity. Off the ice, his voice in the locker room and his experience as a proven playoff performer add another layer to a team that still expects to compete at a high level.

By reuniting with Gourde, the Lightning regained more than just a player — they brought back a leader who embodies the identity of their franchise.

Oliver Bjorkstrand doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, but make no mistake — he is one of the most underrated snipers in the NHL. His shot is quick, accurate, and dangerous from just about anywhere in the offensive zone, giving opponents very little margin for error when he finds space.

Beyond his pure finishing ability, Bjorkstrand has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage and making himself available for high-quality chances. He’s not the loudest name in the league, but his consistency as a goal-scorer makes him a quiet difference-maker for his team.

For Tampa Bay, having a weapon like Bjorkstrand means another layer of offensive firepower to complement their stars. If he continues to produce at the steady pace he has throughout his career, he’ll be a crucial piece in keeping the Lightning dangerous up front.

Brayden Point has firmly established himself among the elite players in the NHL. A dynamic center with a rare blend of speed, vision, and finishing ability, he is the type of player who can change the course of a game in a single shift. His quick first step and ability to attack defenders make him a constant threat in transition, while his high hockey IQ allows him to thrive in tight spaces around the net.

Point has also built a reputation as one of the most clutch performers in the league. Whether it’s during the regular season or in the playoffs, he consistently finds ways to deliver in big moments for Tampa Bay. His offensive production, paired with his relentless compete level, makes him indispensable to the Lightning’s success.

When you talk about the players who define today’s NHL, Point’s name belongs right near the top of the list.

Jake Guentzel made quite the impression in his first season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, delivering exactly what the team hoped for when they brought him in. His ability to slot seamlessly into the top six and provide consistent scoring gave Tampa Bay’s offense an added dimension, and he wasted no time building chemistry with his new teammates.

Guentzel’s quick release and knack for finding open space made him a dangerous weapon night after night. Beyond just the goals, though, he showed his value as a reliable playmaker and a hard-working forward who isn’t afraid to get involved in the tough areas of the ice.

That first season in Tampa confirmed why he was such an important acquisition. With his proven scoring touch and steady offensive presence, Guentzel has quickly become one of the cornerstones of the Lightning’s attack moving forward.

Anthony Cirelli has built a reputation as one of the premier two-way forwards in the NHL, even if he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. His defensive instincts, faceoff ability, and relentless work ethic make him a coach’s dream, and he consistently finds ways to shut down some of the league’s best offensive players.

But Cirelli’s value doesn’t stop there. He has the skill set to contribute offensively, often chipping in with timely goals and smart playmaking. His ability to transition quickly from defense to offense is a big reason why Tampa Bay trusts him in so many key situations.

In a league that often shines the spotlight on pure scorers, Cirelli’s all-around game is quietly just as important. He embodies the type of player every contending team needs, and he’s more than earned the respect of those who watch him closely — even if he’s still underrated on the broader stage.

Nick Paul has turned into a crucial piece of the puzzle for the Tampa Bay Lightning, largely because of the reliability he brings every single night. Coaches know exactly what they’re getting from him — a player who can be trusted in all three zones, who plays with consistency, and who doesn’t cut corners on effort.

He’s not always the flashiest guy on the ice, but his versatility makes him incredibly valuable. Paul can chip in offensively, kill penalties, win board battles, and handle tough defensive assignments when needed. That ability to adapt and contribute in different roles has made him an indispensable part of Tampa Bay’s lineup.

In short, Nick Paul has evolved into the type of player who may not always grab headlines but whose steady presence is one of the reasons the Lightning continue to remain competitive year after year.

Nikita Kucherov is firmly established as one of the top three forwards in the entire NHL, a status he’s earned through years of elite production and consistency. His offensive vision is second to none, and his ability to create scoring chances both for himself and for his teammates makes him nearly impossible to defend against. Few players in the league can match his combination of creativity, hockey IQ, and pure skill with the puck.