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NHL Rumor Buzz is Hockeybuzz’s version of an aggregator blog, similar to Spectorshockey.net or MyNHLTradeRumors. It is the home for the latest NHL trade rumors from other mainstream sources and websites other than Hockeybuzz. It will include our thoughts on the rumor in question and will be updated each day as new rumors surface.
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February 21, 2017
Tampa Bay Times reporter Joe Smith indicates that the Lightning being within striking distance of a playoff spot complicates the decision for GM Steve Yzerman, who could move Brian Boyle and Ben Bishop as rentals before March 1.
“Yzerman won't get into specific needs, though you'd have to imagine the blueline would be a key area of focus; the Lightning and (Nashville) Predators have been scouting each other. But Yzerman said they're not looking at acquiring a rental player. He noted a lot of decisions have to be make for the long-term, whether that's done this week or this summer.
Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Jonathan Drouin are all restricted free agents after the season, when there will be another cap crunch. If the Lightning can move a contract like Valtteri Filppula's or Jason Garrison's, that could free up space. Even if Bishop leaves as a UFA, that's $6 million the Lightning can spend elsewhere.
THE BUZZ – Yzerman has some difficult decisions to make this summer with Drouin coming off his entry-level deal and Palat and Johnson looking for big paydays, since any long term deal they sign will buy years of unrestricted free agency.
Dealing Filppula’s $5 Million cap hit next season may be necessary to open up space to sign Johnson to an extension.
As for a playoff run this season, injured forward Steven Stamkos began skating on Tuesday, but it is unknown how long it will be before he can return. Tampa trails Boston by six points, but would have to climb over four teams to get a playoff spot.
The Lightning may wait till the eleventh hour to decide what to do, but as of nine days before the deadline, they look more like sellers than contenders.
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