Busy Offseason 2017-08-16 With GM Hill unable to provide Lighning fans with excitement throughout the year or playoffs, he certainly gave them some in the offseason so far. Not only was there the entry draft where a few promising prospects have joined the stable, but GM Hill has revamped the top 6 for this upcoming season which will hopefully lead to Tampa Bays first playoff appearance in 2017/2018. Tampa Bay Lightning trade Mike Matheson, 2017 1st round pick, and 2018 3rd round pick to Boston for Jonathon Huberdeau and a 2017 6th round pick. It was hard to give up a high 1st round pick, but to acquire a star winger like Huberdeau will give the team a immediate boost in all offensive categories and will line up in the top LW spot opposite of Russian star Alexander Radulov. Matheson was also difficult to give up, but with a top 6 D that includes Alex Pietrangelo, TJ Brodie, Ryan Ellis, Erik Gudbranson, Xavior Oullet and Jake Dotchin, the chance was worth taking to acwuire a Huberdeau like player. Tampa Bay Lightning trade Filip Forsberg and a 2017 6th round pick to LA Kings for Tyler Johnson, Michael Ferland, Steve Santini and a 2017 3rd round pick. Before this trade, the number 1 center on the Lightning roster was Nazim Kadri(RFA). Kadri is no slouch but I am not sure anyone would call him a number 1 center. Adding Johnson creates a first line of Huberdeau – Johnson – Radulov. That line should be able to provide enough offense to push this team into the playoffs. Along with Johnson, Tampa received solid bottom 6 forward Ferland who will help stabilize a bottom 6 that is just in need of bodies right now. Santini is an intriguing player that got added to the deal as well. He was able to make NJ’s roster last year but lacked confidence and consistency. A physical defensemen is looking to become a stabilizing force in the NHL this year. Tampa Bay Lightning trade Marcus Foligno to Chicago for Matt Beleskey and a 6th round pick. This isn’t really an exciting deal for either team. Two depth guys getting traded for one another but The Lightning getting a 6th round pick(Jake Evans) out of it. Beleskey adds some sand paper to the bottom 6 with a little bit of scoring, more than Foligno was able to provide. Beleskey on the same line as Michael Ferland will be 2/3’s of a feisty 3rd line that will put fear in the eyes of their opponents. GM Hill had his eye on overager Jake Evans all drat. A skilled playmaker playing in the NCAA for Notre Dame has put up nearly a point per game. Evans will look to make the jump to the professional ranks after this upcoming season. Tampa Bay Lightning trade Alex Nylander to Detroit Redwings for Tomas Tatar, 2017 6th and 7th rounder’s and a 2018 3rd rounder. If TB fans weren’t sure if GM Hill was trying to get this team to the playoffs yet, then this deal should seal that deal. Giving up star in the making in Nylander for draft picks and a top 6 winger that can contribute this upcoming year is the reason why. Tatar completes the new Lightning top 6. Huberdeau – Johnson – Radulov Tatar – Kadri – Teravainen Vrs Forsberg – Kadri – Radulov Duclair – Bjugstad – Teravainen As you can see, a lot more talent has been added to the roster to help this team finally reach the post season.
