Tampa Bay Tests the Market: Depth Forward Faces Uncertain Future
It seems Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois will not let a non-game day go by without making a move this season. His latest transaction involves yet another forward as the Lightning placed Mitchell Chaffee on waivers on Monday. The 27-year-old will be assigned to the Syracuse Crunch should he clear. Like many of the Lightning forwards Chaffee, who has appeared in seven of the team’s nine games, has yet to register a point.
Chaffee was signed by the organization prior to the 2023-24 season as Tampa Bay took a chance on the former Minnesota Wild prospect who was coming off of major knee surgery. After splitting time between the Crunch and the Lightning in that season, he earned a regular bottom-six role in 2024-25 and posted a career season with 12 goals and 6 assists in 66 games. He also made his presence felt on the forecheck with 133 hits.
The physical presence was there again through the first part of the season as he leads the team with 19 hits in his seven appearances, quite a feat for someone who is getting under ten minutes a night on the ice. As for the lack of points, there has been a little bad luck mixed in with a reluctance to shoot. He has 8 shots on goal off of 10 shot attempts and has posted a 1.11 iXG mark on the season. That’s a higher number than Gage Goncalves (0.33) and about the same as Pontus Holmberg (1.12), two players who have attempted more shots than Chaffee on the season.
When he does pull the trigger, he does it from dangerous areas:
If you’re not familiar with Evolving Hockey’s shot chart, the bigger the diamond, the higher the expected goals on the shot, i.e. the better chance a shot has at going in the net.
While Chaffee has seen most of his playing time on the third and fourth lines, he’s also had a little power play time, mostly on the second unit. Unfortunately, the right-handed shot has yet to generate an attempt on goal with the man advantage, which might be why the Lightning are willing to risk one of the few forwards that shoot from that side of the ice on waivers.
Much like the loan of Conor Geekie to Syracuse, this could be a confidence boost for Chaffee. While he wasn’t expected to score a ton of goals, there was some hope he could provide some depth offense in the bottom of the rotation to go along with his physical play. The recent additions of Curtis Douglas and Dominic James have apparently squeezed him out of a spot.
Perhaps that is the biggest reason the speedy winger finds himself on the waiver wire. The return of Zemgus Girgensons and the play of Dominic James since his call-up made the bottom-six a little crowded. If the Lightning were looking at just the stats through their first nine games, Goncalves is probably the one that gets the ax from the current roster. However, they see him as more of a top-six player and seem content on giving him a chance to earn his spot in that role.
The Bolts also seem to be committed to keeping Douglas and Jack Finley on the roster as they add an element of size to the roster that no other forwards in the system can bring. With those factors considered, Chaffee is the odd man out. The move does leave the team a roster a player short of the 23-man limit, so there could be a corresponding move made tomorrow prior to their game in Nashville.
Is there a chance Chaffee gets claimed? It wouldn’t be shocking. He does bring a fast, physical element to a team looking for a little grit on the bottom six. And he has a really good, heavy shot when he decided to let it go. He owns shooting percentages of 12.8% in the AHL and 15.45 at the NHL level. Those are really good numbers, especially for someone on the fourth line. He just doesn’t seem inclined to shoot it that much.
Teams have until 2:00 PM EST on Tuesday to claim him.
"Patrick Surtain Promises a Strong Comeback: ‘I’ll Never Let Anything Slow Me Down’
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain has been a key player in the team’s defense, earning recognition as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. However, his journey has been anything but easy. After suffering a significant injury, Surtain has faced doubts and concerns about how this setback might affect his career. Despite the adversity, the Pro Bowl cornerback remains determined to return stronger than ever.
In a recent statement, Surtain sent a powerful message to fans, teammates, and critics alike. “I’ve been through a lot, and nothing’s going to slow me down. Whether I’m playing through injury or coming back stronger, I’m always going to give my best. If you think this injury is going to stop me, you’re in for a surprise.”
Surtain’s confidence and leadership are crucial to the Broncos’ defense, and his return is highly anticipated. He is known for his exceptional ability to lock down wide receivers and his playmaking skills, which have made him a key player for Denver since he was drafted. Despite his injury, Surtain’s commitment to his role is clear: he’s not only focused on recovering but also on becoming even better.
His determination is a reminder of the resilience that defines professional athletes. Injuries are part of the game, but Surtain’s ability to stay mentally strong and focused on his recovery sets him apart. His approach is about more than just physical healing; it’s about maintaining a winning mentality, pushing through adversity, and leading by example. He understands that his return will not only impact his own performance but also inspire his teammates to fight through their own challenges.
As the Broncos prepare for the next phase of the season, Surtain’s absence leaves a gap in their secondary, but his promise to return stronger offers hope. The team is built on the foundation of grit and determination, and Surtain embodies those qualities. He will likely return to the field with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to prove that setbacks are only temporary and that nothing can hold him back.
With his promise to keep giving his best and return stronger, Patrick Surtain is ready to defy the odds. His words resonate beyond football: they are a testament to the power of perseverance, mental toughness, and the drive to always be better, no matter the obstacles. Broncos fans can look forward to his comeback, as Surtain remains one of the league’s premier cornerbacks — a player who will never let anything slow him down.
