Could the Lightning look to improve their offense by adding this cheap Predators forward?
Could the Lightning look to improve their offense by adding this cheap Predators forward?
The hockey world is well aware that the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to strengthen their defense. It is understandable, as Mikhail Sergachev is out indefinitely, and he's a massive part of their blue line. However, it also would not hurt for them to add a forward before the deadline.
In a recent article for The Tennessean, Alex Daugherty listed the Lightning as one of "the most likely destinations" for Nashville Predators forward Tommy Novak.
Daugherty argued that the Lightning's forward depth after their top stars significantly drops, and they could use a solid secondary scorer like Novak because of it. Here is exactly what Daugherty said on the matter:
"The Lightning also have dynamic goal scorers, with Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, and Steven Stamkos, but the team's offensive depth is lacking. Tyler Motte and Luke Glendening are their best options; Novak would be a significant upgrade at center over those two."
Novak, 26, is having another strong season with the Predators, as he has 12 goals to go along with 32 points in 50 games. There is no question that the Lightning would benefit by adding that kind of production to their forward group.
If the Lightning added Novak, he would be an excellent fit as their second-line or third-line center. With that, he would also be a clear option for their power play because of his strong playmaking ability.
With that, as Daugherty notes, Novak's contract is quite cheap ($800,000 cap hit), so he is a player who the Lightning could fit in fairly easily.
Nevertheless, there are certainly clear reasons why the Bolts should consider making a push for Novak over the next week. We will need to wait and see if they do just that from here.
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