Lightning Should Target Senators Star This Summer
The Lightning have a clear top trade target heading into the summer.
Leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning were the expected favorites to land Noah Hanifin. The Massachusett native's preference was to sign with the Lightning, while the club wanted to bring him in with an extension. However, things, of course, took a big turn, as the Vegas Golden Knights came out of nowhere and acquired him.
While missing out on Hanifin certainly stung, the Lightning added a far cheaper option in Matt Dumba, and the fit has looked good so far. However, if the Lightning want to try to add another star to their blue line during the summer, Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun is an obvious choice.
Chychrun, 25, was the subject of trade chatter leading up to the deadline. However, the Senators elected to keep him in Ottawa for the remainder of the season. The expectation is that trade talks centering around him will continue during the summer, and the Lightning would be wise to kick tires on him again.
Chychrun would give the Lightning's top four a major boost. He produces offensively, plays steady defensively, and works on both special-team units. Because of this, it would be wise for the Lightning to push for him during the offseason.
Chychrun has nine goals and 31 points in 64 games this season with the Senators.
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