By Michael Wax
In our first gradebook article, we examined the Lightning netminders, who all earned pretty good grades. Now we take a look at our first forward group, the Left Wingers. In this article, we will take a look at each player's season note some of the good and the bad, and then give them an overall grade for the 2023-24 regular season. Please note player's positions were chosen based on their most played position for guys who play more then one.
Erik Cernak
Grade: C-
Out of everyone in the new Jeff Blashill defensive system, Erik Cernak had the most trouble. While the loss of Ryan McDonagh in 2022-23 certainly saw a bit in Cernak's play without his longtime partner, the defensive scheme changing into a zone in 2023-24 was a huge problem. While Cernak may have been in the right scheme positions, he was often leaving too many good players open for grade-A scoring chances. Is that the fault of the system? Perhaps. But at this point, it's up to the player to adjust. That, coupled with another season of limited availability (69 games), makes it a disappointing season.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Physical Extraordinaire
Sometimes you need a guy to do the dirty work. Cernak's 109 blocks ranked second on the Lightning, and his 198 hits were second on the team and first among defensemen. Laying your body on the line isn't sexy, but it is admirable.
Con: Bruised Up
Once again, Cernak missed 10+ games with injury, appearing in 69 of 82 games. Cernak has yet to hit more than 70 games played in a season, causing the Lightning to pull from their thin depth once again. This year, the timing of his injury was also problematic, getting hurt on 1/11, the same time that Sergachev was down with injury.
Contract
One of the big three signings in the summer of 2022, Cernak has seven more years remaining on a contract that pays $5.2M per season. Most notably, Cernak has a full no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1, all but ensuring he's here for the long term.
Matt Dumba
Grade: C-
This grade is tricky. Dumba was acquired 15 minutes before the deadline from the then-Arizona Coyotes for a pick swap. In that regard, he outplayed his price tag. On the other hand, Dumba was often a step behind and had more than a few giveaways/missed assignments that cost the Lightning at times during the stretch run and playoffs.
Pros and Cons
Pro: Leadership
The value of leadership cannot be overstated. Several Bolts raved about Dumba's leadership qualities in the limited time he spent in Bolts' blue, fitting for the 2021 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner. A leader and phenomenal humanitarian, Dumba's contributions to the Lightning went far beyond the ice.
Con: All or Nothing
Dumba has a tendency to see the puck carrier and see red. Whenever he goes for a hit, he really goes for it. This led to a few really bad goals against where he was left in the dust and behind the play.
Contract
Dumba is set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1. With the recent acquisition of Ryan McDonagh, it's safe to say Dumba will not be back.
Darren Raddysh
Grade: B-
Raddysh did his thing this year, and might have honestly been the Lightning's best right-handed defenseman. In a full 82 games, Raddysh put up 33 points, carrying the Lightning offensively in a few games in 2023-24. Much like Cernak and Perbix, his partner often switched, but the results for Raddysh were consistent all year. While the defense wasn't spectacular, it got better as the year went on.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Rushing
A few times this season, Raddysh was able to show off his offensive talent by jumping up in the rush. A few of these plays include his wraparound goal against the Minnesota Wild and his overtime winner against the New Jersey Devils. While these plays can be risky, they look great when performed perfectly.
Cons: Lack of PP2 Success
It could’ve been difficult adapting to suddenly being put on the power play after Sergachev’s injury. Still, Raddysh’s seven points on the power play were a little lacking after his overall solid season.
Contract
Raddysh has a two-year extension kicking in on July 1, paying him $975K per season.
Nick Perbix
Grade: C
The sophomore slump was real for Perbix; while his stats looked good (increase in assists/points/hits/blocks), the advanced numbers were not kind to the 25-year-old. Perbix had a bad habit of turning the puck over, leading to huge chances for opponents. Aside from a brief stint on a pair with Emil Lilleberg, nothing seemed to click pairing-wise for Perbix. Hopefully season three brings more success.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Puck Magnet
Probably surprisingly, Nick Perbix led all Lightning skaters in block shots this past season (114). While the team total was lower than most expected, Perbix did his job of making sure that pucks didn’t get to the netminder.
Cons: Turnovers
As mentioned previously, Perbix’s puck-handling problems told a story of a giant step back the defender took in his sophomore year. Going forward, Perbix will need to be more aware of his surroundings during breakout plays.
Contract
Perbix has one more year left on a contract, paying him $1.125M before unrestricted free agency. He is also a trade candidate this offseason for a team looking to create cap space for soon-to-be UFAs
Max Crozier
Grade: B+
For a guy who turned pro last year, Crozier's rapid ascension from the bottom pair of Syracuse to the Lightning's top six in just 58 AHL games was super impressive. Crozier's adaptability, positioning, and quick thinking were a welcome surprise and really kick-started the Lightning's hot streak during January and February.
Pros and Cons
Pro: In a Pinch
Due to injuries, the Lightning badly needed depth at several points this season. Out of necessity, they recalled a flurry of defenders, Crozier included. He impressed with fellow rookie Emil Lilleberg on a pair, enough to where even with a healthy defensive core (sans Sergachev), Crozier was recalled again and giving the sixth and final defensive lineup spot. Crozier also played in three playoff games.
Con: Growing Pains
As with any rookie, there were some tough growing pains for Crozier during his first few stints in Tampa. While he no doubt learned, it's important that his sophomore season sees less of these types of plays, as the Lightning are going to rely on him more often.
Contract
Crozier has one more year of his ELC, a two-way contract that pays him $867,500 AAV. Though he split time between Syracuse and Tampa in 2023-24, he's more than earned his spot on the 2024-25 Lightning roster.
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