Should the Lightning part ways with this defender?
The Tampa Bay Lightning are expected to have a busy offseason. Captain Steven Stamkos needs his next deal, and they will likely want to make some additions after their short playoff run.
However, due to the club's limited cap space, there has been speculation over the prospect of the Lightning moving out salary. Two names who have been viewed as possible trade candidates heading into the summer are forwards Tanner Jeannot and Conor Sheary. However, now a new name is starting to create some chatter.
In a recent article for the Tampa Bay Times, Eduardo A. Encina brought up the possibility of the Lightning trading Erik Cernak this offseason to free up cap space. However, he also noted that the Lightning likely would not get much in return for Cernak and could even need to retain salary in such a move.
Cernak, 26, would need to approve a move, as he has a full no-trade clause. With that, any potential suitors would need to be okay with him being far more than just a rental, as he is under contract until the end of the 2030-31 season.
Cernak appeared in 69 games this season for the Lightning, posting two goals, 13 points, 198 hits, and a plus-5 rating.
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