Rumor: Tampa Bay Lightning Trading For Henrik Zetterberg

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings have been rumored to be talking trade for months as one team is in cap hell, meanwhile the other have lots of cash to spend and a roster to upgrade. While the likes of Tyler Johnson and Alex Killorn have been speculated, now the attention has turned to Henrik Zetterberg.....sort of.

Friedman on SN960: “There’s been a rumor going around, actually started in Europe, that the Lightning might trade for Henrik Zetterberg’s LTIR from Detroit, which makes sense depending on what they give up. The report’s been Tyler Johnson, we’ll see if there’s any truth to that.”
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 12, 2020

Acquiring Zetterberg's contract would give the Lightning some cap relief for their LTIR placement, and Johnson and likely at least a 2nd-round pick would be headed the other way. Zetterberg is owed $6 million in what is the last year of his contract. He hasn't played since 2018.

The 30-year-old Johnson has four years left on his deal, with a cap hit of $5 million per season. His playoff experience and veteran presence would bode well for the young core of the Red Wings, there's just one problem....Johnson holds a no-trade clause.

Would a reunion with Steve Yzerman be enough? Play closer to home help? Lots to consider for Johnson who would be leaving the Stanley Cup champions and making his way to the worst team in the league.

Decisions...decisions.

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