"Off-Season Game Plan looks at what GM Steve Yzerman might be able to do for an encore this summer, as he builds on the second-best season in franchise history.

While the coaching style of Guy Boucher, and his touted 1-3-1 system, surely deserves some credit for the Lightning's success -- their shot differential was best in the Eastern Conference -- it also is indicative of the talent at his disposal. "

"A high ankle sprain sabotaged a good chunk of Steve Downie's season, but he roared to life in the playoffs, scoring 14 points in 17 games despite playing just 12:36 per game. That was Downie at his finest, checking, scoring and agitating but, generally, under control. "

"Nate Thompson took a step forward in his career development, scoring a career-high 10 goals and 25 points while playing more than 15 minutes per game; impressive progress from a high-energy forward that never scored 40 points in any of his four junior seasons in the WHL"

"While it's easy for the Lightning to say that they will match any offer Stamkos receives, how the roster shakes out could be altered dramatically if another team shows up offering Stamkos a $150-million contract. Even marquee restricted free agents haven't received a lot of offer sheets, but when it comes to a 21-year-old like Stamkos or the Kings' Drew Doughty, it's not out of the realm of possibility that a team makes an outrageous offer because there is little projection required since they are already star players."


"Afforded a fresh start and an opportunity on a scoring line in Tampa Bay, Teddy Purcell thrived, tallying 51 points during the regular season and followed it up with 17 points in 18 games. Natrrally, that kind of production will earn the restricted free agent a raise, how much remains to be seen.

If the Lightning don't retain the services of their unrestricted free agent forwards, there will definitely be holes that need to be filled. Simon Gagne had a disappointing season and Sean Bergenheim may never again be as productive as he was during the playoffs, but they are two legitimate top nine forwards.

While there might be some fanciful talk of bringing Brad Richards back, it would either require great creativity on the Lightning's part or a willingness on Richards' part to take far less than he could make on the open market.

More reasonably, free agents like Pascal Dupuis, Chad LaRose or Drew Miller might be capable replacements to round out the forward ranks, but how much money the Lightning can afford to spend on free agents will be affected by how much Stamkos gets paid. "

"Pavel Kubina's role decreased as the season progressed (20:23 average time on ice pre-All-Star break, 17:07 after) and his total of 23 points was his lowest since 2002-2003. Take into account the concussion that knocked him out of the playoffs and the 34-year-old may be on the decline." (you think?)

"Veteran Brett Clark came in as a free agent and suddenly found himself on the power play, scoring a career-high 17 of his season-total 31 points with the man advantage. That Clark was required to play the point on the power play is more an indication of Tampa Bay's needs at the position than a sudden skill development of the 34-year-old blueliner.

Aside from his empty-net goal in the playoffs, Mattias Ohlund hasn't scored a goal in two seasons with the Lightning, and last season's five points was a career-low, but he rallied in the playoffs, logging more than 20 minutes per game and doing so more effectively than he has for the bulk of the past two seasons.

In what may come as a surprise to some, Mike Lundin ranked third among Lightning defencemen, behind Eric Brewer and Victor Hedman, in time on ice last season (20:24 per game). While his results haven't been particularly noteworthy, Lundin is quite economically priced for a top-four defenceman if he's indeed going to play those minutes.

Matt Smaby is huge (6-foot-6, 239 pounds), but doesn't play huge minutes. He's strictly an extra defenceman, playing 122 games over four seasons with the Lightning, with last year's 6:59 average time on ice per game the lowest among any defencemen that played more than 10 games in 2010-2011.

Tampa Bay's defence is the position most in need of an upgrade. If they could keep Brewer, who played very well after coming over from St. Louis, that would be a start, and Marc-Andre Bergeron can be an asset on the power play, but the Lightning should remain open to any trades or signings that will upgrade a defence corps that has too many vets in their mid-30s.

Again, how much money is available to bolster this position will depend on the cost associated with Stamkos' new deal, but a puck-mover like Andy Greene could be viable, particularly if Brewer departs. "

"The sixth overall pick last summer, Brett Connolly stayed relatively healthy last season and continued to show that he can put the puck in the net. His combination of size and skill makes him a potential frontline player and might even earn him a look next season, though if the Lightning are following a Detroit Red Wings model, he may be due to spend some time on the farm first.

A big winger with some scoring upside, Carter Ashton has steadily improved and already has 13 AHL games on his resume with late-season and playoff call-ups over the last two seasons. More seasoning is likely needed, but there's nothing wrong with a 20-year-old needing time to develop.

An elite talent who is still working on the consistent application of his gifts, Richard Panik may be a boom-or-bust player. If he matures and brings his best game nightly, then he should be a big scorer. If not, he may be be hard-pressed to reach the NHL.

A defenceman who can skate and plays the body, Radko Gudas would add a new element of physical play to the Tampa Bay blueline. If his decision-making is ready for the test, the 21-year-old could challenge for a spot as soon as next season.

Rushed to the NHL in 2009-2010, James Wright spent a full season in the AHL in 2010-2011 and was reasonably productive, surprisingly so given his junior scoring numbers. Wright is a big bodied player that will fit in a checking role and his time may be coming soon.

With 101 AHL games over the last two seasons, goaltender Dustin Tokarski has quite a bit of experience for a 21-year-old. Another year in the AHL won't hurt him as he is groomed to be a future starter."

"Johan Harju is now 25-year-old, so he's reached a crossroads of his career, and he's not likely to have the long-term upside of the younger Lightning prospects but, at the same time, he produced enough in the AHL last season to be considered for promotion. "