Opening Night Roster, Kucherov Contract & Summer Stories from the Lightning | Into The Blue - September 29, 2026

Season 4 of Into the Blue is officially underway!

Hosts Gabby Shirley and Ben Pierce return to kick off another Tampa Bay Lightning season, catch up after the summer, and dive into the biggest storylines surrounding the team ahead of Opening Night. They discuss the roster decisions coming out of training camp, the crowded blue line battle, Nikita Kucherov's contract situation, and what stood out most from a highly competitive camp. Plus, the fan-favorite Plus/Minus segment returns with plenty of offseason stories, including weddings, engagements, new homes, a missing dog adventure, and more.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Welcome back to Season 4 of Into the Blue

2:15 – Meet the hosts: Gabby & Ben catch up after the offseason

4:20 – What's new this season? Listener feedback & behind-the-scenes plans

7:05 – Benjamin Rautiainen loaned back to Finland and roster implications

8:40 – Breaking down the Lightning's Opening Night roster

11:40 – Victor Hedman's return and expectations for the season

14:15 – The battle on the blue line: Why eight NHL defensemen creates tough decisions

21:45 – The latest on Nikita Kucherov's contract situation

25:00 – Plus/Minus returns