The Lightning have a Predators defenseman on their radar.
The Lightning have a Predators defenseman on their radar.
One of the Tampa Bay Lightning's biggest objectives before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline passes is to add at least one defenseman. Strengthening their defensive group has been a need all season, and that is now only more the case with star Mikhail Sergachev out indefinitely.
Because of this, the Lightning have been connected to a few defensemen like Chris Tanev, Sean Walker, and Ilya Lyubushkin. However, they also reportedly have a new name on their radar, as The Fourth Period reported in their recently updated Trade Watch List that the Lightning are linked to Nashville Predators defenseman Tyson Barrie. TFP also noted that the Dallas Stars are in on the veteran defenseman as well.
Barrie, 32, has been on the trade block for much of this season. The Predators gave him permission to speak with other clubs after he expressed frustration following being healthy scratched. Now, it appears that he is starting to generate some real interest.
Barrie would be an interesting addition to the Lightning. It is apparent that their right side needs a boost, and he would have the potential to replace some of the offense that the Lightning are losing without Sergachev. This is because Barrie is a puck-moving offensive defenseman who works especially well on the power play.
The 2023-24 season has been tough for Barrie, as he has just one goal and 12 points in 33 games. This production is low for his standards, and a major reason behind it has been his struggles to fit into the Predators' system. However, joining a Lightning club with superstars like Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Brayden Point certainly could get his offense back up. Keep in mind, he just had 55 points in 75 games last season.
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