One insider believes that the Lightning could target this Senators defenseman.
One insider believes that the Lightning could target this Senators defenseman.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made their first move of the trade deadline season last night, acquiring winger Anthony Duclair from the San Jose Sharks. Bringing in a scoring forward was a necessity for the Lightning, but they also still need to add to their defense.
Several Lightning top trade targets, such as Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Sean Walker, and Ilya Lyubushkin, have already found their new homes. However, they still have some options left to improve their group.
Because of this, in a recent episode of The Jeff Marek Show, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman brought up the prospect of Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom being moved to Tampa Bay.
Brannstrom, 24, has been making the rounds in the rumor mill lately and would be a decent addition to the Lightning's roster if acquired. He is a steady bottom-pairing defenseman with the potential to become a bigger contributor offensively. Joining a team with plenty of stars like the Lightning could help him take that next step.
Brannstrom carries a $2 million cap hit and will be a restricted free agent this offseason. In 55 games this season with the Senators, he has three goals, 13 points, and a plus-1 rating.
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