Recently, I was able to catch up with Tampa Bay Lightning center Cory Conacher and discuss his move back to the Lightning, his goals for the season, and what he likes most about being a Bolt.

The Bolts Nation exploded the day we found out that Cory Conacher was headed back to the Tampa Bay Lightning. While going undrafted, Conacher worked his way up to the NHL through AA and AAA hockey teams and even won a championship with the Norfolk Admirals along the way.

He would play his first NHL game with the Lightning in the shortened 2012-2013 and quickly became a fan favorite for his offensive production and play style. In 2013, Cory Conacher was traded to the Ottawa Senators for the young and untested Ben Bishop.

At the time, the Lightning community was outraged, but as time went on and Ben Bishop began to break team records, the fans began to warm up to the trade. During the off-season this year, the Tampa Bay Lightning were able to have their cake and eat it too as Conacher was signed to a one-year contract.

Recently, I was able to talk to Conacher about trades and personal goals among other things and what he had to say made me even more excited for the upcoming season.

Kimball: What does it mean to you to be back playing in Tampa Bay?

Conacher: It means I have been given a second chance, one that I will take full advantage of. I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt in my career and I think it will be noticeable when camp comes around. It was such an honor to hear from Coach Cooper before signing and I am so grateful to get this chance.

Kimball: What were your initial reactions when you found out you had been traded to the Ottawa Senators?

Conacher: Initially, I was devastated. I wanted Tampa to be my second home The city is amazing, you can’t beat the weather, and when it comes to hockey and the fans….. It doesn’t get much better. I knew that this was always a possibility, so I quickly turned the page and was looking forward to playing in Ottawa.

Kimball: How does it feel to be playing on the same team as Ben Bishop, who you were traded for?

Conacher: It’s nice to be able to play with a goalie of that caliber. The goalie is one of the most important positions on a successful hockey team, so to have him gives us a better chance to win games. I’m just hoping he lets me score a couple on him when camp/practice begins.

Kimball: What’s your favorite thing about playing in Tampa Bay?

Conacher: There’s so many things to choose from when it comes to this question. Like I said, the city is awesome, the weather is great, and the hockey (team, arena, and organization) is at the top for every category.

However, my favorite memory from when I was in Tampa, and what I’ve already seen since I signed is the support from the fans. Everything has been so positive, and to get the opportunity to play in front of this fan base again is so special. I can’t wait to work hard in camp and do what it takes to help this team continue its winning ways.

Kimball: What compelled you to bring your skills back to Tampa Bay?

Conacher: It’s fortunate that I am coming back to a team, coaching staff, and organization that I know a lot about already. Everything about this organization is high class and it seems as though everyone is on the same page and striving to accomplish the same goal.

Kimball: What does it feel like to be back in the Lightning locker room and what kind of reactions have you gotten from the players, especially the ones you played on the Admirals and Crunch with?

Conacher: It feels amazing to be able to go back in that locker room to see some familiar faces. We had a special group when we won in Norfolk and to see how much success and how far some of these guys have come is incredible.

I know that Coach Cooper is a winner. He’s a guy that knows how to bring the best out of me along with the rest of his players. So I will be prepared to do what it takes to continue the success of this team. I have been chatting with Killer, (Killorn) Johnny, and Palat.

Those guys have welcomed me back with open arms. It’s going to be exciting to be back on the ice with those guys.

Kimball: Do you see yourself with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the long term?

Conacher: I am going to take it one day at a time. I think a lot of people will see a change in my game, I am older, more matured, and much more reliable as a player both in the offensive zone and defensive zone.

I hope I can make it a career in Tampa, but it’s still going to be baby steps for me. Look to get better every day and like I said, show that I am reliable and still willing to learn to help this team win.

Kimball: What are your goals for yourself and the team?

Conacher: I have always been a believer that individual success comes from team success. I have done everywhere from power skating lessons to skills/shooting lessons on the ice to help my all-around game.

My goal as a player is to be a regular in the lineup. Be able to play all situations, all throughout the line up. I believe I will contribute offensively as well. With the year I had last year, I found my game and realized that I am a shooter.

I love the puck on my stick and love to create offensive chances by shooting the puck and taking pucks hard to the net. I am not a perimeter player. This is the most excited I’ve been going into a season.

Kimball: And Finally, is there anything you want to say to Bolts Nation?

Conacher: To Bolts Nation…. It has been truly overwhelming to see all the love and support from you guys. It has given me a little extra motivation this summer to be ready to go for the season. Can’t wait to hit the ice again in front of such an amazing crowd.

As Bolts fans, this nose to the grindstone mentality and focus on the goals of the team as a whole are exactly what we want to hear. Coming off of winning the National League A title with SC Bern of the NLA, we are ready to see what Conacher can do on the ice with the Bolts.

Having played with a number of his teammates before, there will already be chemistry and I expect Cory Conacher will fit quite nicely in the Bolt’s lineup next season. What are your thoughts on what Cory Conacher had to say? As always, stay tuned to Bolts By The Bay for everything Lightning.