Lightning Connected to Senators Star Defenseman

Turns out the Lightning have another star defenseman on their radar besides Noah Hanifin.

It is apparent that the Tampa Bay Lightning's top trade target is Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. They are the Massachusetts native's preferred destination, and the Lightning have been working hard to try to bring him in.

Yet, it now appears that Hanifin is not the only star defenseman whom the Lightning are targeting. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Lightning have also checked in on Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

Now that many of the top defense trade targets have found their new homes, Chychrun's market has been heating up. When noting that he is a fellow top-pairing defenseman like Hanifin, it is understandable that the Lightning are looking to add him. He would be far more than just a consolation prize if he ended up in Tampa instead of Hanifin. 

Chychrun would be more than a rental if the Lightning acquired him, as he carries a $4.6 million cap hit until the end of the 2024-25 season. That naturally makes things more interesting. 

If the Lightning added Chychrun, he would be an obvious fit for their top pairing, as he can play both sides. His steady two-way play would also make him an option for both of Tampa Bay's special-team units. 

We will need to wait and see if anything happens with the Lightning's interest in Chychrun from here.