One of the best free agents available to the Tampa Bay Lightning is Anthony Duclair. After the trade, the talented winger scored eight goals and racked up fifteen points in 17 games during the regular season, making him an excellent addition for the Bolts. He fits right in with the club’s top six right away, so they probably would prefer to retain him around.
But now that the Lightning have Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators, they have a little more than $5 million in cap space. The club’s main priority is captain Steven Stamkos, therefore, there’s a significant probability Duclair will go on sale on July 1.
There will be a lot of interest in Duclair if the Lightning are unable to strike an agreement with him and he becomes a free agent. The Seattle Kraken are one team that David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period believes will probably target him.
![Mar 9, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Anthony Duclair (10) is congratulated after he scores a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Amalie Arena.](https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MjA0OTc5MTMwNDM1OTA1MTU2/usatsi_22738915.jpg)
The Kraken’s poor 2023–24 season was mostly caused by their inability to score goals. That’s why it wouldn’t be shocking at all if they went after Duclair. He would elevate them to their top six and bring them much-needed scoring.
Looking at a possible spot in Kraken’s lineup, Duclair may fit in well with Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers on their top line. He would also seem like a natural choice for their power play.
This campaign, Duclair finished with 24 goals and 42 points in 73 regular-season games.