Tampa Bay GM Brisebois already in talks with some key free agents

The Tampa Bay Lightning may have come up short in their quest for a Stanley Cup three-peat, but the team can still be a major force for some time yet. That's provided the team handles its assets properly. General Manager Julien Brisebois is aware there's no time to waste, and told reporters Tuesday he's already talked to the agents of three guys he needs to sign, even though the year just ended for the Bolts on Sunday.

"We'll know more in the coming days, weeks, but we'd like to bring those guys back," Brisebois said.

It's doubtful he'll be able to keep all three. The top priority would likely be Ondrej Palat. He's been an absolute beast for the Lightning in their three-season SCF runs, with this year being his best performance yet. Palat, 31, is coming off a contract paying him $5.3 million per season.

Nick Paul was picked up at the trade deadline from Ottawa and is finishing a contract that carried a cap hit of $1.35 million. The 27-year-old is almost certainly going to want a raise, and likely deserves on as a valuable depth player.

Jan Rutta is making $1.3 million and is the only defenceman on the list. The 31 year old did have a decent season as a depth defenceman. He scored three goals and totaled 18 points in 76 regular season games. He was also a plus-25.

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