"I was just so excited to be out there on the ice for the playoffs, it was a dream come true," Koekkoek said. "And it's something I have worked hard for. It was tough to finish the way we did because we got so close and it was pretty hard to watch the [Stanley Cup] Final, because we almost made it. But I just wanted to have fun with it and play hard when I got the chance."
Koekkoek, the No. 10 pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, is in line for a significant role with the Lightning defense this season. Tampa Bay bought out the remaining two years of Carle's contract, which made him a free agent, and he signed a one-year contract with the Nashville Predators. That opened up a spot Koekkoek is looking to secure.
With fellow defensemen Victor Hedman, Anton Stralman, Andrej Sustr and Nikita Nesterov playing in the World Cup of Hockey 2016, Koekkoek will be one of Tampa Bay's top defensemen during training camp and much of the preseason.
"I'm definitely looking forward to camp and having the opportunity to put myself in a position to be with the team," Koekkoek said. "It's nothing you want to take for granted, because nothing is guaranteed, so I just want to work hard in the offseason and be ready to go when camp starts."
It has been a busy offseason for the Lightning, who signed captain Steven Stamkos to an eight-year, $68 million contract and Hedman to an eight-year, $63 million contract extension.
Koekkoek was excited that Stamkos would remain with Tampa Bay.
"He's such a great leader and a great character guy," Koekkoek said. "He sets a great example for the players around him with his work ethic and the way he fought to get back on the ice [after surgery April 4 to remove a blood clot] during the playoffs. He's just a great teammate."