The Tampa Bay Lightning are bracing for a challenging stretch as they’ll be without defenseman J.J. Moser for the next eight to ten weeks. Moser, who sustained a lower-body injury during the December 12 game against the Calgary Flames, has been a key figure on the Lightning’s blue line this season. His absence will undoubtedly test the team's depth and resilience.
J.J. Moser, acquired in a high-profile trade over the summer that sent Mikhail Sergachev to Utah, has been nothing short of a game-changer for the Lightning. This trade also brought in 20-year-old rookie forward Conor Geekie, but Moser’s impact on the defense has been particularly remarkable. At just 24 years old, Moser has stepped into a top-pairing role alongside star defenseman Victor Hedman, solidifying the team’s defensive play.
Moser has logged an impressive 19:54 of ice time per game, often playing on his off side. Beyond his steady presence on defense, he’s contributed significantly on special teams, playing roles on both the penalty kill and the second power-play unit. With a plus-minus of +13—second only to Ryan McDonagh’s +17 among Lightning defensemen—Moser has proven to be a reliable asset. His offensive contributions include two goals, one of which was shorthanded, and eight assists.
The injury occurred late in the second period of the Calgary game when Moser fell to the ice while chasing a loose puck alongside Flames forward Nazem Kadri. The sequence resulted in a Calgary goal, but the bigger loss was Moser being forced out of action. Initially deemed “week-to-week” by head coach Jon Cooper, the revised timetable places Moser’s return after the 4 Nations Faceoff break in late February.
In the meantime, the Lightning have had to adjust. Darren Raddysh, a right-shot defenseman, has stepped into Moser’s spot next to Hedman. Raddysh, who played this role frequently last season, has been making the most of his increased ice time. Entering Thursday’s game, he had two assists in his last three outings and a +5 rating during that stretch. This is a promising development for a team looking to fill the void left by Moser.
To bolster their defensive depth, the Lightning called up Steven Santini from AHL Syracuse. While Santini adds an extra right-side option, Max Crozier, another potential call-up candidate, remains sidelined due to injury. If the Lightning decide to explore external options, they have the flexibility to place Moser on long-term injured reserve. This move would free up an additional $3.375 million in cap space, which, when combined with their current $1.607 million, provides ample room for maneuvering in the trade market.
Here’s a breakdown of what Moser’s absence means for the Lightning:
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Defensive Pairing Adjustments:
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Darren Raddysh moving up to play alongside Victor Hedman ensures some stability, but the chemistry and effectiveness of this pairing will be under scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
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Special Teams Impact:
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Moser’s role on the penalty kill and power play leaves gaps that will need to be filled by other players. This could mean more minutes for veteran defensemen or an opportunity for younger players to step up.
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Cap Space Flexibility:
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The potential use of long-term injured reserve for Moser opens the door for the Lightning to shop for reinforcements. With over $4.9 million in possible cap space, the team has the resources to bring in a high-impact player if needed.
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AHL Call-ups:
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The Lightning’s decision to bring in Steven Santini highlights the importance of having depth in the pipeline. Crozier’s injury limits options, but Santini’s experience could prove valuable in the short term.
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Looking ahead, the Lightning will need to rely on a collective effort to weather this storm. While J.J. Moser’s absence is a significant blow, the team’s depth and adaptability have been tested before. If Darren Raddysh and other players continue to rise to the occasion, the Lightning can remain competitive in Moser’s absence. And with the trade deadline looming, management will have to decide whether to stand pat or make a bold move to strengthen the roster.
As fans eagerly anticipate Moser’s return, the spotlight shifts to those stepping up in his stead. The next couple of months will be a critical test for the Lightning, but with a resilient mindset and smart roster management, the team is poised to navigate these challenges effectively.
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