The Tampa Bay Lightning announced a trade that will reshape their goaltending depth ahead of the upcoming season.
Under the deal, the Lightning will receive 24‑year‑old Dennis Hildeby from the Toronto Maple Leafs, while veteran forward Nick Paul makes the opposite journey.
Why the trade matters
Paul’s role with Tampa Bay had been waning after a series of injuries and the emergence of younger players, limiting his ice time and production.
Hildeby, who has posted strong numbers at the NHL level this season, is viewed as a reliable backup who can push Andrei Vasilevskiy for minutes and provide depth if injuries arise.
General manager Julien BriseBois said the organization believes Hildeby is ready to assume the backup role and that his two‑year, modest contract adds flexibility for the club’s roster planning.
A different path for Johansson
Jonas Johansson, who has served as Vasilevskiy’s backup for the past three seasons, saw his performance dip last year, posting a 3.29 goals‑against average and a .888 save percentage.
Injuries have limited his availability over the last two campaigns, prompting the Lightning to explore moving him and find a more consistent option.
The move signals a shift in Tampa Bay’s approach to its net‑minding corps, aiming to blend stability with growth potential as the team looks to contend.
Both Paul and Hildeby are expected to bring distinct strengths to their new environments, with the Lightning hoping the trade will reinforce their defensive outlook while Paul seeks a fresh start in Toronto.