The Tampa Bay Lightning are heading toward training camp with some major questions, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Bolts and the NHL.

What will the Lightning do with Nikita Kucherov’s next contract, and what does the future hold for Jonas Johansson? With training camp approaching, we discuss the contract situations Tampa Bay will have to address and what Kucherov could command on his next deal.

We also debate one of the biggest questions facing the Lightning this season: Who does Tampa Bay need a bounce-back season from more — Brayden Point or Victor Hedman? Both are critical pieces of the Lightning core, but which player returning to top form would have the greater impact?

Plus, a potentially massive NHL storyline: Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade. What could that mean for the Winnipeg Jets, what kind of market could develop for one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders, and which teams could potentially get involved?

Finally, with NHL expansion continuing to loom on the horizon, could expansion finally lead the league to rethink the Stanley Cup Playoff format? We discuss possible changes and whether the current wild-card system should survive an expanded NHL.

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts:

• Nikita Kucherov’s next contract — what’s his number?
• What happens with Jonas Johansson?
• Brayden Point vs. Victor Hedman: Who needs the bigger bounce-back season?
• Connor Hellebuyck requests a trade
• Could NHL expansion change the playoff format?

If you’re a Tampa Bay Lightning fan or follow the NHL, subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning analysis, NHL news, rumors, trades, contracts and discussion that goes beyond the box score.

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