3 Tampa Bay Lightning Not Expected Back Next Season

The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to win another Stanley Cup this season. Their management team is never afraid to make changes, as we've seen time and time again ahead of the trade deadline. This season they made a bold splash for Tanner Jeannot, sending out multiple draft picks for the checking winger. Regardless if the Lightning do damage in the Stanley Cup Playoffs or not, this upcoming spring, expect to see some more tinkering in the summer. Here's three Lightning players who aren't expected back next season:

Corey Perry

This could be the end of the line for Corey Perry in Tampa Bay as he's had a hell of a run late in his career. The 37-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and isn't expected to sign another contract with the Lightning. 24 points in 70 games, getting close to 40 years old, however, is impressive. With the Lightning only having $2.4 million in projected cap space for 2023-24, the numbers won't be adding up in Perry's favor.

Brian Elliott

Speaking of veterans, netminder Brian Elliott is a pending unrestricted free agent and isn't expected to be re-signed. The 37-year-old has become a serviceable back up for the Lightning and has played some solid minutes these past two seasons. Look for management to go in a new direction for next season.

Alex Killorn

One of the Lightning core players for the past decade, Alex Killorn will need to take a massive 'home-town discount' if he wants to stay in Tampa Bay. As mentioned previously, the Lightning have basically no money to work with come free agency and Killorn will be looking for a new contract, coming off one where he made $4.4 million annually. If he's willing to take around $1 million per season, he stays, if not, look for Killorn to be wearing a new jersey opening night next season.