Tampa Bay Lightning
Point’s Superb Play Could Be Pricing Him Out of Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point has quickly become a proven playoff performer. Is he so good that he’ll be too expensive to re-sign?
Despite the absence of captain and franchise face Steven Stamkos, the Tampa Bay Lightning unleashed a coarse display of dominance in the Eastern Conference Final opener Monday evening. Leading the Lightning charge was former Moose Jaw Warrior, Brayden Point, scoring 1:14 into the game and then finishing with a smooth five-point night (2G, 3A) in a lopsided 8-2 Tampa Bay win. The 24-year-old Point now has 23 playoff points – only 2 behind leader Nathan MacKinnon whose Colorado Avalanche squad has since been eliminated.
Point’s playoff success should come as no surprise to junior hockey fans in the West. A week after his 16th birthday (technically a 15-year-old as he was restricted to 5 regular season games – when his Midget AAA Calgary Buffaloes were eliminated from the playoffs Point then joined the Warriors), Point stepped into the 2012 WHL playoffs and immediately made an impact for the Warriors. Point was able to contribute on the power play, even late in games, scoring OT winners and eventually finished with 10 points (7G, 3A) in 14 playoff games before Moose Jaw was ousted by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL Eastern Conference Final. As it were, this is not new for Brayden Point.
Just the Starting Point?
It seems hard to believe that Point, in his 4th NHL season, has already played in 35 playoff games (and counting) amassing 40 points (16G 24A) in that span – impressive numbers. While the Lightning are reaping the benefits of Point’s playoff success now, it may quickly create a jam atop the teams’ payroll.
The Lightning already have several hefty, long term deals already in place – at every position. When Point becomes an RFA after the 2022/2023 summer, the Lightning will already be paying $32 million to five forwards, $14 million to two defenders, and $9.5 million to an amazing goaltender.
Considering Point’s skyrocketing value, it may prove difficult for the Lighting to match outside offers, stay cap friendly, and field a full team. Will the Lightning prioritize a deal with Brayden Point or does the team need to move out a sizable contract in the meantime?
Next: Tyler Toffoli Open to Discussing Contract With Canucks
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