James has a broken hand and is expected to miss the first two weeks of the regular season, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports Wednesday.
James had seven goals and 15 points in 43 regular-season appearances with the Lightning in 2025-26. His absence at the start of the campaign might create an opening for Jakob Pelletier, Scott Sabourin or Conor Geekie to begin the season as a member of the fourth line.