Lightning Has a Clear Target from Maple Leafs.
The Lightning should think about targeting this Maple Leafs player.
The Tampa Bay Lightning face a busy offseason ahead of them. Their primary goal is to clear contract space so they can re-sign superstar forward Steven Stamkos. However, they should be willing to make some depth moves this summer.
When looking at the Lightning’s roster, it’s evident they could use another goaltender. Jonas Johansson struggled as the club’s backup in 2023-24, thus they should be open to adding another cheap goalie. Martin Jones, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltender, steps in.
Jones, 34, was the Maple Leafs’ third-string goalie this season and did well. In 22 games with the Original Six, he had a 19-11-8 record, a 2.87 GAA, and a.902 save percentage. With numbers like these, he would provide an upgrade to the Lightning’s backup goaltender position. Furthermore, they would get more expertise between the pipes, as he is an 11-year veteran.
Jones is unlikely to earn much more than a league-minimum contract in free agency, so the Lightning would have no reason not to pursue him. At worst, he would be a reliable backup goalie for the club if an injury occurred.
Jones has a 236-171-36 record in 466 career games for the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, and Leafs, with a 2.72 GAA and.905 SV%.