It appears the Tampa Bay Lightning have their sights set on another Stanley Cup run, and they may be willing to make a big splash at the NHL trade deadline to achieve it. Rumors are swirling that Calgary Flames forward Andrei Kuzmenko could be on his way to Tampa Bay once the calendar hits 2025.
The rumored trade suggests the framework of the deal involves Kuzmenko, with 50% of his salary retained by the Flames, heading to the Lightning in exchange for prospect Dylan Duke, a 2025 second-round pick (originally belonging to Toronto), and a 2026 first-round pick.
Is Andrei Kuzmenko the Missing Piece for the Lightning’s Cup Run?
This is a significant package, and it signals Tampa Bay’s intentions to go all-in this season. Kuzmenko, a skilled and versatile forward, would add another dimension to their already potent offense. He’s projected to slot in on the second line alongside Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli, creating a formidable scoring threat.
However, the proposed trade has sparked debate among NHL fans. Some believe the Lightning are overpaying for a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). Others argue that a strong performance from Kuzmenko this season and his potential to be more than just a rental justify the high price.
Here’s a snapshot of what fans are saying:
- “This is an overpay for Kuzmenko. A first or second and a C-level prospect would be more appropriate.” This sentiment reflects the concern that Tampa Bay is giving up too much for a player who might not re-sign in the offseason.
- “Kuzmenko is playing well and is available. Tampa will likely need to beat a few other teams. I also see Kuzmenko as more than just a rental for Tampa moving ahead, so I’m not as concerned about the acquisition cost being a little higher.” This perspective acknowledges the competitive market for top-six forwards and suggests that Tampa Bay is willing to pay a premium to secure Kuzmenko’s services.
- “I don’t see a UFA winger like Kuzmenko getting more than a 1st, 2nd, and decent, but not great prospect, but if the Flames can, more power to them. The Flames will not be getting prospect Conor Geekie from the Lightning in this trade!” This comment highlights the realistic expectations for a Kuzmenko trade while also acknowledging the Flames’ desire to maximize their return.
While the final details of the trade remain uncertain, one thing is clear: Andrei Kuzmenko will be a player in high demand. Whether he ends up in Tampa Bay or elsewhere, he’s poised to make a significant impact in the NHL playoff race.
Stay updated with the latest Calgary Flames news
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest Calgary Flames news and trade rumors? Be sure to check out our website, nhltraderumor.com, for daily updates, fantasy hockey predictions, and more. You can also find out what happened on this day in NHL history and what channel the Flames game is on TV today. Don’t forget to bookmark our site and sign up for our weekly newsletter below for all the latest NHL trade rumors delivered straight to your inbox!
Sign up for our weekly NHL trade rumors newsletter
