TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning are reshaping their roster after trading forward Nick Paul to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for goaltender Dennis Hildeby and two future draft picks.
Tampa Bay also received a fourth-round pick in 2027 and a third-round selection in 2028 as part of the deal announced on July 1 by general manager Julien BriseBois.
The 24-year-old Hildeby appeared in 20 games for Toronto last season and posted a 2.86 goals-against average with a .914 save percentage. He also spent time with the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League, where he recorded 10 wins in 23 appearances.
The Lightning announced an additional set of moves, signing two forwards on the first day of free agency.
Viel is heading east!
We've signed forward Jeffrey Viel to a five-year contract worth an AAV of $2.5 million.
📝 https://t.co/PsW169GvYX pic.twitter.com/ahLRzIKXca
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 1, 2026
Welcome to Tampa, Ilya!
We have signed forward Ilya Mikheyev to a four-year contract worth an AAV of $3.85 million.
📝 https://t.co/zQbbJerNhL pic.twitter.com/KjoYJLnxVr
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 1, 2026
The team also confirmed the departure of two former Bolts via their social media.
Thank you, Declan!
Best of luck in Pittsburgh 💪 pic.twitter.com/Idd11I7Kce
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 1, 2026
Wishing you the best, Chaffee 🤝 pic.twitter.com/FtpiaVfii0
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 1, 2026
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