On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, Jason and Justin break down the latest NHL Trade Frenzy as teams make major moves before the NHL Entry Draft.

🏒 Topics on this episode:

⚡ Darren Raddysh traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs

• How does Tampa Bay replace a key defenseman?
• Did the Lightning make the right move?

🦅 Alex Tuch traded to the Washington Capitals

• Washington adds size, scoring, and another veteran weapon
• Are the Capitals loading up for another playoff push?

🔥 Bowen Byram traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in a blockbuster deal

• Chicago sends a package including the #4 overall pick in the NHL Draft
• Did Buffalo make the right decision moving on from Byram?

🎙️ Plus, Jonah Ahrens from The Sabre Report Podcast joins the conversation with his reaction and analysis of the Byram trade from the Buffalo perspective.

We also open up the Backchecking the Bolts Mailbag and answer YOUR questions from social media!

🌎 Finally, Jason and Justin discuss the NHL’s latest expansion possibilities:
⭐ Could the league return to Texas with a new team in Houston or Austin?
⭐ Would another Southern NHL market work?

#GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #NHLTradeRumors #NHLDraft #NHLExpansion #NHL

Former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Peter Taglianetti joins Backchecking the Bolts to look back on an incredible hockey journey that stretched from college hockey greatness to the biggest stage in the NHL.

Taglianetti was a member of the inaugural 1992-93 Tampa Bay Lightning team and shares stories about playing for an expansion franchise built by Phil Esposito, what the early days of Lightning hockey were really like, and how Tampa Bay began building its NHL identity.

Before arriving in Tampa, Peter played at Providence College under legendary coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello, was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, and credits former Norris Trophy winner Randy Carlyle as an important mentor during his early NHL career.

Taglianetti also reflects on his championship years with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992 alongside some of hockey’s greatest players.

Plus — hear the unbelievable story of Peter’s appearance in the famous 1993 Yokozuna Body Slam Challenge aboard the USS Intrepid, one of the most memorable crossover moments between the NHL and WWE.

Topics Include:
⚡ Joining the first-ever Tampa Bay Lightning roster
⚡ Playing for Phil Esposito
⚡ Lessons from Lou Lamoriello at Providence College
⚡ Being mentored by Randy Carlyle with the Winnipeg Jets
⚡ Winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins
⚡ Mario Lemieux, championship teams & NHL memories
⚡ The 1993 Yokozuna Body Slam Challenge

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning interviews, NHL stories, analysis, and conversations that go beyond the box score.

#GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #NHL #LetsGoPens #StanleyCup #WWE

The Tampa Bay Lightning offseason rumors are heating up, and Backchecking the Bolts is breaking it all down!

On this episode, Justin brings some big “What Ifs?” from the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2025-26.

Jason and Justin discuss whether Nick Paul could become a trade candidate as the Lightning look at their roster, salary cap situation, and potential moves heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.

We dive into the Dylan Larkin trade rumors and debate where Tampa Bay stacks up among possible landing spots for the Detroit Red Wings captain.

#TBL #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #HockeyPodcast #TBLightning #StanleyCupPlayoffs