2009–10 Tampa Bay Lightning season

The 2009–10 Tampa Bay Lightning season is the 18th season for the franchise in Tampa Bay.

Off-season
On May 11, the Lightning gave Rick Tocchet a multiyear contract to make him their full-time head coach, removing the interim tag he held after taking over the position from Barry Melrose, who was fired during the previous season after 16 games.

With the 2nd overall pick in the entry draft, the Lightning selected Victor Hedman from Modo Hockey of Elitserien, the Swedish Elite League. Hedman was considered the top European prospect available. Having acquired a second first-round pick from the Detroit Red Wings, the Lightning used the 29th overall selection on Carter Ashton from the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League.

Among several of the free agent signings the Lightning made included defenseman Mattias Öhlund, goaltender Antero Niittymäki, and left winger Alex Tanguay.

Regular season
After the regular season finished with Tampa Bay missing the playoffs, the Lightning fired both general manager Brian Lawton and head coach Rick Tocchet on April 12, 2010.

Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes

Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games Played; TOI = Time On Ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime Losses; GA = Goals Against; GAA= Goals Against Average; SA= Shots Against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save Percentage; SO= Shutouts

†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Lightning. Stats reflect time with Lightning only.

‡Traded mid-season

Bold/italics denotes franchise record

Transactions
The Lightning have been involved in the following transactions during the 2009–10 season.

Trades

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Draft picks
Tampa Bay's picks at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal, Quebec.