As the Tampa Bay Lightning finalize their roster amidst the impending threat of Hurricane Milton, all eyes are on top prospect Conor Geekie, who has shown immense promise throughout the preseason. With the final roster decisions looming, the Lightning have been forced to shuffle players around while preparing for both the upcoming season and the storm. Despite these uncertainties, Geekie’s stellar preseason performances have all but solidified his case to make the opening night lineup.

Geekie’s preseason display has been nothing short of impressive. Standing at 6’4″, he brings a powerful presence to the ice, which has already translated into key contributions during games. In a recent preseason game against the Florida Panthers, Geekie posted a standout performance, scoring two goals and an assist. His buzzer-beater game-winning goal highlighted his clutch abilities, and a shorthanded goal showcased his two-way play and high hockey IQ. Such contributions haven’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, and his ability to score in various situations makes him an intriguing addition to the Lightning’s roster​.

The Lightning’s roster, especially within the bottom six, has been undergoing constant change. With veteran players filling key spots, Geekie’s versatility could be a critical asset, especially in filling a much-needed role in the team’s depth. His involvement in practices with the third line, alongside seasoned players like Nick Paul, and his integration into the second power-play unit hint that he’s being considered for a permanent spot​. However, Hurricane Milton’s impending landfall has added an extra layer of urgency to finalizing the roster, as disruptions to practice and travel plans could push the team to lock in their decisions earlier than expected.

The next question is how the Lightning will deploy Geekie. Some speculate that he could start as a third-line center, offering size and a defensive presence, but he also has the skills to push up the lineup as needed. With his high ceiling and demonstrated dedication, Geekie could quickly become a fan favorite as he grows into a bigger role.

What remains to be seen is how the Lightning will handle the final roster cuts. With only 23 roster spots and a few lingering injuries, the team may make some last-minute moves to accommodate Geekie. His preseason has made it hard to send him down to the AHL, but with salary cap constraints and roster flexibility still in play, nothing is set in stone​.

So, what do you think—should the Lightning take a risk on Geekie and allow him to develop on the main roster, or would a year in the AHL benefit him more in the long term? Share your thoughts!

FAQs

Q: How are the players preparing for Hurricane Milton?
A: Players are supporting each other and prioritizing safety and readiness for the storm.

Q: What impact does the storm threat have on the season opener?
A: The team is adjusting its plans and remaining focused on the upcoming games amidst the challenging external circumstances.