3 Upgrades Tampa Bay Lightning Need In The New Year

The Tampa Bay Lightning aren't the powerhouse they normally are, but that comes with a tough start without their elite goalie. This team is still right in the mix for a playoff spot and should be a contender this season. They have too much talent not to be. Their lineup is missing some pieces that they will be looking to add later this season to help them hoist another Stanley Cup.

3rd Line Center

With Nick Paul and Anthony Cirelli contributing in the top-six, it has left somewhat of a hole at the third line center position. For now, that hole has been filled by Luke Glendening. Ideally, he would be the fourth line center. His ice time and his five goals and no assists in 35 games supports that. The Lightning don't have the space to add someone in the top-six unless they get really creative once again, so adding a third line center is more realistic. The top-six should probably stay as is while they're pulling the team to victories.

Forward Depth

Not only do the Lightning need a third line center, they could also do with some forward depth in case of injuries or poor performances. Once the playoffs hit, more players can be added to the roster, so there would be better competition for playing time. There are some younger players who have gotten time in the NHL this season, but I don't think the Lightning are going to put trust in them to help out in the bottom-six in big games just yet, if at all.

Defensive Depth

It's never a bad idea to have more depth. While the forwards could use some depth, the defense can as well. Only two of the Lightning defenders average over 20 minutes a night this season, and Mikhail Sergachev is injured at the moment. If an injury happens at a worse time, players will have to step up and fill in. It's better to have options if it only costs a late round pick to add.