The Tampa Bay Lightning are without Steven Stamkos for the first time in over 16 years. Stamkos signed with the Nashville Predators this summer after failing to agree to terms with Tampa. Some Lightning players are still working through the move.

After one of the most transitional offseasons in recent history, the Lightning open training camp this week starting with Wednesday’s report day, followed by the first practice Thursday morning at 10:30 at TGH IcePlex in Brandon.

It’s no wonder that Arniel brought a sense of excitement and joy to his first “first day of camp” as Winnipeg ’s head coach. It was evident on the ice, palpable in his own interview and powerful enough to leave GM Kevin Cheveldayoff a bit more contemplative than usual.