NHL Rumors: Lightning Linked To Stars Defenseman

According to David Pagnotta, the Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the many teams who have called the Dallas Stars about John Klingberg.

The prospect of Klingberg joining the Lightning is certainly a frightening one for the rest of the league. They already have won back-to-back Stanley Cups, and adding the 29-year-old to their blueline would only help their chances of winning another one. In 47 games this season, he has one goal to go along with an impressive 25 assists. Once again, he has proven to be a strong offensive defenseman for Dallas - even with his time on ice decreasing.

Any potential trade involving Klingberg and the Lightning would force them to send salary the other way, however. According to Cap Friendly, they currently have $100,000 of deadline cap space. Klingberg currently has a $4.25 million cap hit, so it would make them have to move out essentially the same amount of cap space the other way. That is, of course, assuming we don't end up with another LTIR situation from them before the deadline passes.

Alas, the Lightning would have a lot of work to do to make a Klingberg trade occur. However, it's clear that they are open to trying.