Victor Hedman speaks with reporters postgame The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/]are in a good spot right now. They sport a 22-15-2 record and hold the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They also only trail the Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/] by one point for the third-place spot in the Atlantic Division standings while also having six games in hand. With this, the expectation is that the Lightning will be buyers this season. When looking at their roster, it is apparent that their middle six could use a boost. Due to this, one player who they should make a serious push for is Philadelphia Flyers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/] forward Scott Laughton. Laughton, 30, would be a major addition to the Lightning's roster if acquired. This is because he produces offensively, impactful defensively, and provides plenty of physicality. Furthermore, due to his ability to play both down the middle and on the wing, he would fit virtually anywhere in Tampa Bay's top nine. He would also work on their power play and penalty kill because of his solid two-way play. Rasmus Ristolainen [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMDUxMDY1NzQ1NDUwOTg0/usatsi_24973094.jpg] Rasmus Ristolainen Another appealing factor about Laughton is that he would be more than a rental if acquired by the Lightning. This is because he carries an affordable $3 million cap hit until the end of next season. The Lightning have had success bringing in hard-nosed forwards with term at the deadline in the past, so Laughton could be a great player for them to make a push for. In 42 games this season with the Flyers, Laughton has nine goals, 22 points, and 97 hits.
