Erik Erlendsson: Is now the right time for Tampa Bay Lightning to trade Ben Bishop Could Ben Bishop be traded this summer?

If the flames make the right offer id go for it

As much as I'd hate to see Bishop in the West, those two teams do make a whole lot of sense as destinations. I have a hard time seeing what Tampa needs aside from cost-effective players or quality prospects that could turn into the former. Any particular pieces that standout as appealing? Some combination of one of their goalies (half cap retained), a forward like Shore or Richardinson, and a Dman like Lindell or Honka as a starting point? Makes some sense to my eye, but how do you feel about it?

If the flames make the right offer id go for it
- todd1a

Bishop for the 6th overall. It writes itself.

Bishop for Nichushkin? Is he still on the DAL trading block? Can we figure out a way to ship off Matt Carle too? The last part is admittedly unlikely but I'd be happy with the former, given our looming cap issues

I think it's the right move (s) for Tampa to trade Bishop and just let Stamkos walk. Vasilevsky seems ready for the challenge. Stamkos ain't worth losing multiple pieces off the current roster. They proved to be deadly without him.

Bishop for Nichushkin? Is he still on the DAL trading block? Can we figure out a way to ship off Matt Carle too? The last part is admittedly unlikely but I'd be happy with the former, given our looming cap issues
- ctcork

Bishop and Filppula for Niemi and Nichushkin. Matt Carle's way out of Tampa is by means of a buyout.

I think it's the right move (s) for Tampa to trade Bishop and just let Stamkos walk. Vasilevsky seems ready for the challenge. Stamkos ain't worth losing multiple pieces off the current roster. They proved to be deadly without him.
- nelson911

Serviceable? Yes. Deadly? Not yet.

Serviceable? Yes. Deadly? Not yet.
- Artyukhin76

But they could well be. I'd also say they were a bit better than serviceable. Ideally you'd want to replace him with another, less expensive scoring forward to maintain the depth you guys have.

No - they'd get a diminished return due to questions about his ankle injury.

Bishop and Filppula for Niemi and Nichushkin. Matt Carle's way out of Tampa is by means of a buyout.
- Artyukhin76

I completely agree. Its time to buyout carle. It will save close to $2.5 million next two years. We should be able to trade bish for a higher end top 4 dman.

Bishop and Filppula for Niemi and Nichushkin. Matt Carle's way out of Tampa is by means of a buyout.
- Artyukhin76

Bad deal for Tampa IMO.

He may be too expensive both capwise and value wise for teams to afford

Bishop is a one year rental, with a NMC likely limiting his destinations to high end teams. His cap hit is too high for high end teams to take on without sending close to equal salary back though. Add into that Tampa being backed into a corner: They trade Bishop now, or are required to protect him in the expansion draft next June, lose Vasilevskiy, then lose him to UFA status 2 weeks later and suddenly have no goalie.

Going to be very tough for Tampa to find a decent deal, despite him being a top goalie.

He is one of the 5 best goalies in the league. That would be stupid.

Without looking at contracts they need to move one. They can, like all teams, protect one goalie after next season. If bishops contract is up or if their young goalie has not used two years of elc then this is moot

Bishop for the 6th overall. It writes itself.
- TheCalSen

No chance.


Bishop should get a good return, but the 6th overall isn't going for a guy on expiring contract, let alone a guy of bishop's age.

It'll be a return of quantity vs. high quality.

No chance.


Bishop should get a good return, but the 6th overall isn't going for a guy on expiring contract, let alone a guy of bishop's age.

It'll be a return of quantity vs. high quality.
- Tumbleweed

I agree. So many young good goaltending exists now, and teams trying a 3 man rotation. Goalies might struggle to get a decent 2nd rounder now if they carry a higher price tag. Its a pity, Bishop is elite.

Come back home to the Blues Big Ben!

Come back home to the Blues Big Ben!
- carcus

He would get your team over the hump.

If expansion is going to happen 1 of them will be gone by the end of next season. If expansion is voted down Yzerman has more time and better options. Lets say expansion happens then I say keep them both to start the season give each1/2 the starts and at the trade deadline one of them will leave for a good return. If a d man can pull a first rounder at deadline Bishop especially would get similar return if not more by then.

Id stay with the proven winner. Vasy played 26 games this year 20 average and one playoff series. Potential yes, can he play 60 and be better than a 2.06 when his regular season work is closer to 2.65 and about .916 save percentage both average by NHL standards. Maybe do you take the chance with the window open? No. First up is Stammer and his ongoing saga after that a lot of questions and maybe cap space are answered. If he leaves you keep them both and have them play at a 60/40 split and see how their season goes before the trade deadline. After all the goalies here the last 12 years we finally have one that can go the distance and is the team MVP.

If expansion is going to happen 1 of them will be gone by the end of next season. If expansion is voted down Yzerman has more time and better options. Lets say expansion happens then I say keep them both to start the season give each1/2 the starts and at the trade deadline one of them will leave for a good return. If a d man can pull a first rounder at deadline Bishop especially would get similar return if not more by then.
- stammerman

Really? a few months for a rental, not as many buyers as you think at the TDL for a high end goalie. Maybe a conditional 1st if a team out of the playoffs is able to resign. Any team in the playoffs more than likely have their #1 goalie already by then.

Id stay with the proven winner. Vasy played 26 games this year 20 average and one playoff series. Potential yes, can he play 60 and be better than a 2.06 when his regular season work is closer to 2.65 and about .916 save percentage both average by NHL standards. Maybe do you take the chance with the window open? No. First up is Stammer and his ongoing saga after that a lot of questions and maybe cap space are answered. If he leaves you keep them both and have them play at a 60/40 split and see how their season goes before the trade deadline. After all the goalies here the last 12 years we finally have one that can go the distance and is the team MVP.
- tpd11

Actually, this concept was discussed on Flames Nation a little while ago. We have Gilles who we think is our future Vas or Murray. Was huge for Providence & was looking fine last year until he had to have hip surgery (which was successful & not unusual for goalies) Maybe we package him + one of young D prospects like Hickey or Kylington & the #35 pick for Vas & you guys keep Bishop. Bishop is awesome but the return is going to be diluted. Colborne & two of our 2nds?

Trading Bishop is the logical thing to do. They'll get a decent return but more importantly they'll get rid of his cap hit. They have alot of young stars to sign soon. Stamkos can't stay for the same reason!