Quick Strikes: Palat and Johnson file for arbitration

The Bolts

Tampa Bay Lighting forwards and qualified RFAs Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson have filed for arbitration. Their hearings will likely be late July or early August, although there’s always a chance the Lightning will sign one or both before then. [Raw Charge]

Despite the filing, Lightning fans can take comfort. From the link above: “as restricted free agents, this is the normal process and doesn’t immediately change anything in their discussions with the front office. But it does establish a timetable for when we can expect to see movement.” There’s also this little tidbit from Ken Campbell:

Palat has basically guaranteed he'll come to terms with the Lightning, regardless of what happens. That is loyalty, IMO.

— Ken Campbell (@THNKenCampbell) July 5, 2017

Speaking of qualified RFAs, the Lightning announced yesterday that they have re-signed defenseman Jake Dotchin to a two-year contract. The defenseman is looking at a big year after his breakout season in 16-17. [Raw Charge]

The Lightning also announced that they have re-signed forward Matthew Peca to a one-year, two-way contract. Peca could be bound for big minutes in AHL Syracuse again, but many are betting on him making the Bolts this upcoming fall. [Raw Charge]

Bolts’ captain Steven Stamkos and former Bolt Nate Thompson are adorable:

You may now kiss the - Nate Thompson?! Congratulations to Steven Stamkos on his recent nuptials to longtime girlfriend, Sandra! pic.twitter.com/p3LsKOPmwv

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 5, 2017

Steven DiOssi‏ says that no one should underestimate the importance of the depth Steve Yzerman is “quietly” building within the Lightning organization. [The Hockey Writers]

The Crunch

The Syracuse Crunch announced yesterday that they have re-signed goaltender Nick Riopel to an AHL contract for the 2017-18 season. Riopel has been the 5th goalie in the Lightning organization for several seasons now. [Syracuse Crunch]

Riopel, who posted several videos on his Twitter during the Calder Cup playoffs cheering the Crunch on, took to social media to express his excitement over being back with the organization:

My family and I are very happy to be back with the @TBLightning organization and the @SyracuseCrunch for an other season! #CrunchTime ⚪️🔵⚡️ pic.twitter.com/yPiei0Lxht

— Nick Riopel (@Riopel_N) July 5, 2017

Former Crunch Captain Mike Angelidis is going overseas to play hockey in 17-18.  He will play in Italy. [HCB Foxes]

The Prospects

Raw Charge’s Top 25 Under 25 is back! We kicked things off yesterday with #25 Erik Cernak. [Raw Charge]

In case you missed it, we had a fan posting about the development camp hosted by the Lightning the other day. The writer brought back some thorough observations. [Raw Charge]

Mathieu Joseph had some great advice for his teammates during the Bolts’ development camp. He was mic’ed up for part of the experience:

"I asked five times!!!" 🤣

Mic'd up at #BoltsDevCamp, @mathjoseph7 is a absolute gem: pic.twitter.com/XmRiFQNsKS

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 5, 2017

The Game

The San Jose Sharks have giant...senses of humor! (What did you think I was going to say?):

Thanks guys! pic.twitter.com/G0y8QmWsCD

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 5, 2017

(Don’t know what the fuss is about? Click here for a slightly-not-safe-for-work Twitter gif from The Body Issue. Want another? Here you go! Again, probably NSFW)

It sounds like Connor McDavid left $6 million on the table to help Edmonton Oilers build around him. [SB Nation NHL]

Enforcer Tom Sestito hopes to end his career within the Pittsburgh Penguins’ organization. [Times Leader]