Will the Tampa Bay Lightning make an offer for John Tavares?
New York Post: Larry Brooks speculates Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat could be part of a package the Tampa Bay Lightning would offer the New York Islanders in exchange for John Tavares at some point this season if No. 91 remains unsigned?
The Islanders say (and likely believe) they are committed to riding out the entire season, if necessary, in order to get the captain under contract just the way the Lightning did through 2015-16 when Steven Stamkos was on the cusp of unrestricted free agency.
If Tavares does go through the season unsigned and does reach free agency, there is a keen sense Tampa Bay will be among his most aggressive suitors, with their no-state-tax location a significant benefit to the cause.
Latest Phil Kessel trade rumors
TSN: Craig Button recently dismissed talk of the Pittsburgh Penguins possibly trading right wing Phil Kessel as “#FakeNews.” He notes Kessel helped the Pens win consecutive Stanley Cup championships, three Game Sevens and eight playoff rounds. Button also pointed out how Kessel bolstered the Penguins offense.
While he doesn’t dismiss the possibility that Kessel could be a salary-cap casualty down the road, a lot of things will have to happen before that takes place. While young forwards such as Conor Sheary and Jake Guentzel are promising, Kessel is an established talent.
