On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Lightning: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is out scouting during the All-Star break. He’s “actively and aggressively” trying to trade Jonathan Drouin.
“We were hoping a month ago we’d be in the thick of a playoff race, and we are in the thick of a playoff race,” Yzerman said. “It’s a month from the deadline, and if something makes sense to make us a better team, that can help us one, get in the playoffs, and have a good playoff run, we would look at it.”
It is thought that Yzerman has had a few offers for Drouin, but he’s remaining patient for a better offer.
It doesn’t appear that Steven Stamkos will be put on the trade market. The Lightning still hope to re-sign him, and have not asked him if he’d waive his no-trade clause. Yzerman has said “there is no deadline” for Stamkos negotiations.
“I believe we have a good team,” Yzerman said. “I’m not going to sit here and say, ‘We’re going to really go out and try to do something.’ But if an opportunity is there, we’ll certainly try to do it.”
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 on the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“Well, the Drouin thing – I wonder if after the All-Star break –I still think there’s something percolating there between Tampa and St. Louis. I don’t know how serious it is. Doug Armstrong and Steve Yzerman know each other really well. They’re very close friends. I think if they wanted to make a deal they probably could. There’s a bit of guesswork involved in there. I do think there is the possibility something happens there, but how big it is or how small it is, I’m not 100 percent sure at this point.
“I did think there was a time it might be Rob Fabbri, but I don’t think that’s going to happen anymore. I think Fabbri has culled himself a nice niche in the St. Louis lineup.”