Subscribe
Follow Us
The Tampa Bay Lightning just strengthened their forward depth by signing 26-year-old Pontus Holmberg to a two-year deal worth $1.55 million annually. This move shows Tampa acting decisively to add a reliable, two-way winger.
Holmberg played 68 games last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring seven goals and totaling 19 points while averaging 12 minutes and 40 seconds of ice time per game. In 159 career NHL games with Toronto, he has collected 19 goals and 49 points, and maintained a plus-15 rating.
Tampa Bay’s front office clearly values Holmberg’s all-around play. He will slot into a bottom-six role with the Lightning, bringing defensive strength and speed to their lineup. His expected goals against at even strength ranked among the best of Toronto forwards, and the Leafs played better defensively with him on the ice.
This signing fills a gap on Tampa’s depth chart. The Swedish left-wing brings a high competitive level and a willingness to sacrifice for the team, traits that align with the Lightning’s identity. His defensive awareness and speed make him a candidate for penalty-kill shifts and even matchup lines in late-game situations.
Holmberg adds playoff experience, too. He appeared in 19 career Stanley Cup Playoff games with Toronto, averaging over 12 minutes per game and notching an assist. Internationally, he has represented Sweden in the Olympics and in the IIHF World Championship, where he won bronze in 2024 and tied for second among Sweden forwards with six assists.
Before joining the NHL, Holmberg starred in Sweden’s SHL. He helped the Växjö Lakers win the league championship in 2021, earning playoff MVP honors and being named Swedish Forward of the Year. That pedigree bodes well for adjusting to high-stakes games in Tampa.
This deal locks down a disciplined bottom-six option for two years at a manageable cap hit. With about $2.7 million in remaining cap space, Tampa can still explore additions while retaining financial flexibility. Holmberg helps ensure the Lightning stay competitive, especially when injuries hit or matchups call for a tight-checking forward.
Fans and analysts will look to training camp to see where Holmberg fits best. Expect him on a checking line or penalty kill unit. He might even earn occasional shifts on the second or third line thanks to his defensive chops and north-south speed.
Tampa Bay lost in the first round of the playoffs again, and adding Holmberg is another step toward tightening up their roster. He is not a flashy signing, but he slides perfectly into the team’s formula: reliable, hardworking, and matchup-ready.
Pontus Holmberg arrives in Tampa ready to carve out a role. His two-year, $3.1 million contract secures a versatile forward who can impact games at both ends of the ice. The Lightning can now lean on him to bring consistency, edge, and smart minutes as they aim to go deeper next spring.
