Tampa Bay Lightning Trade Rumors

2011-nhl-hockey-trade-rumors

The latest trade rumors surround the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2011-2012 NHL offseason. The Lightning are reportedly shopping Ryan Malone. They are trying to clear his $4.5 million cap hit in an effort to make a bid for Brad Richards. Richards wants to play with his old teammates Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St Louis in Tampa.

The Lightning signed Eric Brewer to a 4 year deal on Friday. The contract is worth $3.85 million per year. Yzerman slightly overpayed for Brewer but many teams wanted to sign the unrestricted free agent defenseman because of his fantastic playoff performance in 2011. Hopefully for Lightning fans, he can stay healthy and nagging injuries do not get the best of him.

The Lightning are still looking at a deal for Steven Stamkos and the cap hit is expected to be in the $6-7 million dollar range. It is unlikely that the Tampa Bay Lightning can sign Brad Richards unless they can move Malone.