Lightning GM gets 100% real on Stanley Cup window after Canadiens loss

The Tampa Bay Lightning were eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the very first round. The Montreal Canadiens won Game 7 on Sunday to punch their ticket to the next round. Tampa Bay, however, has been one-and-done in each of the last four seasons.

The Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021, while making another run at it in 2022. Since their Stanley Cup Final defeat in 2022, though, Tampa has not won a series. With an aging roster and a barren prospect pipeline, some questions about this team’s window are being asked. General manager Julien BriseBois still sees his team in a competitive window, though.

“Our window, we’re still in it. I don’t know how long we’re going to be able to extend it; my job is to try to extend it for as long as possible. I don’t see the end in sight. We’re continuing fighting that fight, and so far I think we’re holding our own. We’re in the fight every year,” the Lightning general manager said, via NHL.com.

As things stand, Tampa plans to run things back. Head coach Jon Cooper is sticking around despite the recent playoff failures. Stars such as Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman will remain. And the Lightning fully expect to be competitive again in 2026-27.

BriseBois is tasked with making the moves needed to get this team to the next level. What he pulls off this summer certainly remains to be seen. His sight is set on more postseason appearances, though, so immediate impact will take precedence over future gain.

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