Potential Trades for the Tampa Bay Lightning

The NHL trade deadline is just around the corner and teams are busy making their plans – just like the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite being open of the top 5 contenders per BetMGM sportsbook odds, we can still expect changes on Tampa Bay’s roster.

GM Julien BriseBois is looking for players who can boost the team’s performance and secure its spot in the postseason. Making deals that fit within their tight budget is no small task, but BriseBois always manages to find the right pieces to move his team forward.

In this regard, here are some of the potential trade scenarios for the Tampa Bay Lightning:

Luke Schenn, a veteran defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks, is a name that had been a part of many trade rumors near the deadline. With a remaining cap hit of only $271,081 and is an unrestricted free agent, he appears to be more cost-friendly than most other players. Schenn also brings a lot of experience from his 52 games this season in which he tallied 3 Goals and 15 Assists, as well as 69 Penalty Minutes. Given these numbers and his familiarity with the system, it seems like he could be a useful addition to an updated Lightning team.

The idea of a one-for-one swap between Schenn and Cal Foote seems simple in terms of management and playing time, but it might not be the upgrade Lightning is looking for. While Schenn definitely offers a better offensive presence than Foote currently, both players have struggled defensively this season. With the purpose of this trade being to make the defense stronger, swapping these two players might not bring about the desired result.

By trading Foote to Vancouver, they’d be receiving a younger defensive player that can contribute to their rebuilding efforts. In return, Tampa Bay would receive Schenn who has a decent pedigree. While I would initially be comfortable with a one-for-one deal, Vancouver might be looking for additional sweeteners such as prospects or picks—causing Tampa Bay to explore other options.

Tyler Bertuzzi is looking like a great pickup for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Detroit Red Wings forward has not progressed on an extension, and the Bolts could benefit from a bit of extra physical play in their bottom-six lines.

So far this season, his stats include 20 games, 2 goals, and 5 assists while holding a remaining cap hit of $1,514,865. Considering his stats in addition to his physicality, Bertuzzi would make a strong contender for any team looking to pick up a new player.

Factoring in the size difference between Tyler Bertuzzi and Luke Schenn, the Lightning may need to do some salary retention or a package deal if they want Steven Yzerman to accept their offer. Foote, Namestnikov, and a pick or prospect could be enough to entice Yzerman.

Fortunately for the Lightning, Bertuzzi hasn’t played much this season due to injury so his trade value isn’t as high as it would be normally. In his last 11 games since returning, he’s only tallied 3 points and has been inconsistent. Nevertheless, his possession numbers remain good and make him an appealing trade candidate.

After 51 games, Tampa Bay is looking good with a 35-16 record and a total of 73 points (5th in the East). However, with the current trade rumors and potential roster changes looming, there is still a chance that Lightning could be even better.

As per BetMGM, here are the updated Tampa Bay Lightning futures: