Brayden Point Makes Long-Awaited Return to Tampa Bay Lightning Lineup
Tampa Bay Lightning alternate captain Brayden Point is set to return to the ice tonight after being sidelined for 11 games due to a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old center last played on January 12 in a matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers before a knee issue forced him out of action. Alongside defenseman Emil Martinsen Lilleberg, Point has been activated from long-term injured reserve, providing a significant boost to the Lightning's roster depth.
Injury Details and Olympic Withdrawal
The injury occurred during a power-play goal at 4:29 of the second period in Tampa Bay's 5-1 victory over the Flyers. Defenseman Cam York fell onto Point's right leg during the play, necessitating assistance for the center to leave the ice. This setback had far-reaching consequences, as it forced Point to withdraw from Team Canada's roster for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Carolina forward Seth Jarvis was named as his replacement after Point was unable to recover in time for the international tournament.
Originally announced as one of six players on Canada's Olympic roster last summer, Point's absence was described as devastating by Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois. In comments reported by TSN's Pierre LeBrun, BriseBois praised Point's character, stating, "Incredible selflessness on his part. They could have pushed to play at less than 100 percent but showed character of the highest order in giving up their spot." Despite skating in optional practices leading up to the Olympics, Point was not healthy enough to compete, and Canada ultimately lost 2-1 in overtime to Team USA in the gold medal game on February 21.
Point's Performance and Team Impact
Prior to the injury, Point was in the midst of an impressive season, recording 30 points in 37 games, including 11 goals and 19 assists. The two-time Stanley Cup champion was playing his best hockey of the season, producing eight goals and 19 points over a 15-game stretch. Averaging 18:02 of ice time this season, Point has been a key contributor for Tampa Bay, leading the NHL playoffs in goals during both 2020 and 2021 with 14 tallies each year, which helped secure consecutive championships for the Lightning.
Despite his absence, Tampa Bay maintained strong form, going 6-1-1 in the games immediately following Point's injury in late January. The Lightning enter tonight's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 37-14-4 record and 78 points, holding first place in the Atlantic Division. In a corresponding roster move, Tampa Bay placed forward Nick Paul on injured reserve.
Tonight's Matchup and Additional Returns
The Maple Leafs, sitting seventh in the division with a 27-21-9 record and 63 points, trail Tampa Bay by 15 points heading into tonight's contest at Amalie Arena. Adding to the Lightning's reinforcements, captain Victor Hedman also returns tonight after sustaining a lower-body injury during Olympic warmups for Team Sweden. The 35-year-old defenseman has appeared in only 21 games this season after missing nearly two months following elbow surgery, making his comeback another critical development for the team's defensive lineup.
Point's return marks a pivotal moment for Tampa Bay as they aim to solidify their position atop the division and prepare for a deep playoff run, leveraging his offensive prowess and leadership on the ice.
