The Tampa Bay Lightning, perennial Stanley Cup contenders, were dealt a blow in their pursuit of a top defensive addition. After missing out on Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin, the Lightning still have a need for a boost to their blue line as they gear up for a deep playoff run.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell during a recent appearance on the Jeff Marek show, suggesting that Tampa Bay’s next target could be Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Brännstrom. Friedman believes this could be Tampa’s “Plan B,” and with the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaching, the clock is ticking for the Lightning.
Could Erik Brännstrom be the Lightning’s Defensive Solution?
Brännstrom, a former first-round pick with offensive upside, has yet to fully blossom with the Senators. A change of scenery to a championship-caliber team like the Lightning could unleash his untapped potential. Tampa Bay’s track record of developing defensemen could make them the ideal destination for Brännstrom to take his game to the next level.
Would a trade work for both teams? It’s certainly possible. Ottawa needs assets to accelerate their rebuild, and a package from Tampa Bay could provide future picks or prospects. For the Lightning, the addition of Brännstrom could prove to be the missing piece as they aim for another trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.
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