The Lightning are reportedly eyeing a skilled winger from the Sharks.
The Lightning are reportedly eyeing a skilled winger from the Sharks.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are clear buyers for the upcoming 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. They have been on the hunt for defensemen for much of this season, and that has only heightened with Mikhail Sergachev out indefinitely. Yet, improving their blue line appears not to be their only goal before the deadline passes.
According to The Fourth Period's latest Trade Watch List, the Lightning are one of the teams currently linked to San Jose Sharks winger Alexander Barabanov. TFP also has the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers as clubs connected to the skilled forward.
While adding a defenseman should be the Lightning's biggest priority, it also would not be bad for them to add another forward to their group. Barabanov would be a nice addition to their third line if acquired and would be an obvious candidate for power-play time.
Barabanov, 29, has struggled a bit this season, however. In 31 games on the season, he has three goals and nine points. While his offensive numbers are down, it is important to note that he also had 47 points in 68 games last season and 39 points in 70 games in 2021-22. Due to this, he certainly has the potential to heat back up, and joining a significantly better team like the Bolts could be the push he needs to do just that.
We will need to wait and see if the Lightning's reported interest in Barabanov leads to them landing him before the deadline passes from here.
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