On the heels of what appears to be a very successful first draft for GM Brian Lawton and his staff, the Tampa Bay Lightning this week will turn their attention to the free agent market as the frenzy begins Wednesday at noon.

My attention swings that way as well, as I am putting the finishing touches on this year's Lightning free agency preview, which I hope to have posted either this evening or tomorrow morning.

I've identified what I believe to be specific areas of need for the Bolts and I'll have a list of possible names to consider to fill these holes:

2nd line scoring
3rd line forward depth
4th line upgrade
Veteran defenseman, perhaps to pair with Victor Hedman
Veteran backup goaltender

Along with this, I'll speculate a bit on some players under contract who may no longer fit into the club's plans and may be moved via trade. (Efforts were made during the draft to move a roster player or two, to no avail.)

Stay tuned.

JJ

jon.jordan@hockeybuzz.com

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