An unexpected turn of events led Tyler Motte to ink a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 28-year-old sought a new annual average of roughly $2 million heading into the 2024 season. However, Motte misread the market and overpriced himself drastically. He will make $800,000 for the upcoming season, only 40% of his initial asking price. Motte is an underrated weapon for the bottom six heading into the season.
The Newest Tampa Bay Lightning Addition: Tyler Motte
Motte is no stranger to new dressing rooms, playing for five teams over his 331-game career. Notably the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks. Motte produced a career-high 19 points in 62 games last season. Additionally, he scored an impressive 10 points in 24 games with the Rangers following the trade deadline. Motte notched zero points in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games. Nonetheless, he will be a vital piece for the Lightning next season.
The Role of Motte
Josh Archibald was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination. The 30-year-old will not report to training camp due to family issues. He will be out of hockey for the foreseeable future. Now, Motte will fill the role of Archibald on the fourth-line right wing.
The reconstructed fourth-line features Logan Brown and Luke Glendening as linemates for Motte. The trio will likely play between ten to 13 minutes a night. Furthermore, Motte will earn extra ice time on the penalty kill because of his golden attribute.
The Golden Attribute of Tyler Motte
Moreover, Tyler Motte is in the upper echelon of forwards in defensive play. He brings a physical intensity to his game. Motte recorded 118 hits last season, tied for 90th amongst all forwards. In addition, Motte historically draws penalties. Andy and Rono at ARHockeyStats ranked Motte in the 90th percentile of penalties drawn in 2023. He will be a catalyst in giving the deadly powerplay unit opportunities.
Without a doubt, Motte joined the Lightning to help fix the struggling penalty kill. He only allowed 13 shorthanded goals in 127 minutes last season, tied for 24th amongst forwards. While Motte provides a stable defensive impact, he possesses untapped potential on the opposite side of the puck.
Offensive Upside
Consistency is the only factor preventing Motte from reaching 15 goals in a season. In an 82-game season, Motte has the potential to reach this mark, especially alongside Jon Cooper. His 74-game campaign in the 2019 season is his career-high in games played. Furthermore, Motte frequently puts the puck on the net. He notched a career-best 109 shots on goal last season. Check out his puck handling and stick work in these clips. Motte is more talented than the average fourth-line winger.
Matthew Highmore and Tyler Motte scored goals in a 4-2 Canucks loss against the Lightning.@BudweiserCanada HIGHLIGHTS | https://t.co/HkR1nFNGEG pic.twitter.com/oAwwX8duyv
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 14, 2022
ARE YOU KIDDING, TYLER MOTTE! 😳
What a goal. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/Cml85QhCzg
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) August 20, 2020
Motte Aligns With The Tampa Bay System
Motte established himself as an effective role player on a contending roster. In 33 regular season games with the Rangers from 2021-23, Motte controlled 52.92% of the expected goal share. In addition, he can forecheck and maintain possession in the offensive zone. Corey Sjanzder’s micro stats tracking project (All Three Zones) ranked Motte in the 98th percentile of forechecking pressures per hour.
The Lightning structure their offensive zone attack with a “2-3 press.” In other words, two Tampa Bay forwards park themselves in front of the net for rebounds and deflections. Moreover, Motte placed in the 96th percentile of rebounds per hour last season. Not only does Motte shoot the rebounds, he also creates them himself. His 26 created rebounds ranked 39th best amongst forwards in 2023, tied with teammate Brayden Point. Motte is a perfect match for the play style of the Lightning.
Steal of a Deal for Motte
Julien BriseBois continues to work wonders with the salary cap. Landing Tyler Motte was huge for the depth on the roster. In this case, he fits another role player who will thrive in the system of Cooper. Motte has the potential to crack 15 goals and 30 points in an 82-game season. The Michigan native just never found a stable home in the league. Hopefully, Motte will call Tampa Bay home for years to come.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
