Three Teams that could be interested in Tomas Plekanec
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: The center has become more than an afterthought. Marc Bergevin could have at least three potential suitors err destinations for the forward.
Plekanec’s six million dollar salary is $1.3 million pro-rated but still a significant hit. So returns err expectations would have to be a touch lower. Consider the defensive-center market is in short supply though.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, and the San Jose Sharks seem to be good landing spots.
Does San Jose pull the trigger with the uncertainty of Joe Thornton‘s “MCL injury”? That is a great question.
Minnesota is bleeding shots and could use a third line center in the worst way. Their bottom six is among the worst in the league.
Pittsburgh would offer a complimentary pick for Plekanec and little more.
The Tampa Bay Lightning to make a trade if they add up!
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Tampa Bay and GM Steve Yzerman have made one thing clear – they will not mortgage the future unless the right deal comes along. Simply, if it does not add up dollars wise, the Lightning will pass.
What are Tampa’s needs? That is a great question.
It seems a top-four defenseman is more than just a passing fancy. What would that cost?
Ryan McDonagh would likely cost too much although that has not been ruled out. Mike Green and Jack Johnson seem more viable.
Another potential add involves a top-nine forward to complement the core already in place. That would cost a little less.
Understand that Tampa Bay has close to $2 million in cap space (nearly $7 million pro-rated). There is some space to work with, but Yzerman wants to keep a little bit of cushion. Will things change closer to the trade deadline? It might.