Stamkos speaks with media following 5-1 loss to Rangers The Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the many teams in the Eastern Conference fighting for a playoff spot. At the time of this writing, they hold the final wild-card spot, but the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders are all one point behind them. The New Jersey Devils are only behind by two. Due to this, the Lightning are far from being comfortable in the playoff race. With the trade deadline so close, many have wondered what the Lightning's plan will be. GM Julien BriseBois recently confirmed that the club will not trade Steven Stamkos, and now he has provided more information about his approach for the deadline. Julien BriseBois. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzNjkzNzY3NTIwMTY3ODI2/usatsi_18536889_168401874_lowres.jpg] Julien BriseBois. While speaking to reporters, BriseBois said this about the Lightning's plans: "We're always on the lookout for opportunities to improve our chances of being successful, and this trade deadline is not different." With these comments from BriseBois, it is clear that the Lightning are heading into the deadline with the expectation of being buyers. It is understandable, as they are in win-now mode, and their roster would benefit from improvements, especially on the right side of their defense. We will need to wait and see what kind of moves the Lightning make from here, but if BriseBois has it his way, the club will be making some additions. Related: Lightning GM Gives Steven Stamkos Update [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/news/lightning-gm-gives-steven-stamkos-update] Related: Former Lightning Forward Having Career Revival [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/news/former-lightning-forward-having-career-revival] Related: Lightning Players Who Could Be Traded in Favor of Stamkos [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/news/lightning-players-who-could-be-traded-in-favor-of-stamkos] Related: Will the Tampa Bay Lightning Keep Steven Stamkos Beyond This Season? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/news/will-the-tampa-bay-lightning-keep-steven-stamkos-beyond-this-season] AROUND THE NHL Related: Avalanche forward enters NHL Player Assistance program [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/avalanche-forward-enters-nhl-player-assistance-program] Related: Oilers Should Trade Struggling Winger for Guentzel [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/oilers-should-trade-struggling-winger-for-guentzel] Related: Flyers Goalie Calder Trophy Dark Horse [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/analysis/flyers-goaltender-samuel-ersson-calder-trophy-candidate]