Best Tampa Bay Lightning Players of All Time

With a rich history in talent and numerous Stanley Cup Trophies, the Tampa Bay Lightning have seen some of the most dynamic players in NHL history wear their colours.

These top players have defined the Lightning’s success and left an unforgettable mark on Tampa Bay sports, making them a Stanley Cup odds favourite even today.

Best Tampa Bay Lightning Players of All Time

1. Martin St. Louis

The heart of the Lightning for over a decade, Martin St. Louis was a crucial part of transforming the franchise into a contender. His remarkable journey of going from undrafted to a Hart Trophy winner is a testament to his incredible work ethic and skill. 

St. Louis amassed the second-most points in franchise history (953) and led the Lightning to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2004. 

2. Steven Stamkos

A Markham, Ontario legend, Steven Stamkos is the cornerstone of the modern Lightning. He leads the franchise in games played (1,044), goals (533), and points (1,097). 

He played a key role in the Lightning’s 2020 and 2021 Stanley Cup championships. He was also a crucial figure behind the team’s run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2015 and 2022.

Stamkos won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2010 with 51 goals and again led the league in 2012 with 60 tallies. 

3. Vincent Lecavalier

Before Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier was the quintessential Lightning captain. He played 1,037 games for Tampa Bay, lighting up the scoreboard with 383 goals and 491 assists.

Lecavalier was a crucial part of the team’s 2004 Stanley Cup win and won the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2007 as the NHL’s top scorer. 

4. Victor Hedman

Victor Hedman has been a stalwart NHL blueliner since the moment he donned a Tampa Bay Lightning jersey. Hedman is an elite defensive force who’s also amassed an impressive 150 goals and 542 assists in 1,016 career games. 

He won the Norris Trophy in 2018 and was a titan in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy for his efforts. 

5. Nikita Kucherov

An exceptional offensive weapon, Nikita Kucherov dominates opposing defences with dazzling speed and skill. He’s racked up an incredible 304 goals and 801 points in just 687 career games with the Lightning. 

Kucherov’s standout 2018-2019 season earned him both the Hart and Art Ross Trophies, accentuating his vital role in the team’s offensive dynamism. 

6. Brad Richards

Brad Richards was a key player for the Lightning in their early years and will long be remembered for his clutch playoff performances. 

Over 552 games with Tampa Bay, Richards tallied 150 goals and 489 points. He delivered under pressure during the 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs, leading the league with 26 points and powering his team to victory. Richards took home the Conn Smythe Trophy for his performance.

He sits sixth in Lightning history in points and assists, and seventh in average points per game (.089). Richards is set to be inducted into the team’s 2024 Hall of Fame Class.  

7. Andrei Vasilevskiy

The backbone of the Lightning’s recent success, Andrei Vasilevskiy has established himself as a premier NHL goaltender. He leads the Lightning in games played (446), wins (275), and shutouts (33) as a goalie. 

Andrei Vasilevskiy makes an unreal save on Patrick Marleau pic.twitter.com/iYNEYten8Q

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) December 14, 2018

Vasilevskiy won the 2019 Vezina Trophy and played a crucial role in the team’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.