NHL Rumors: Lightning Defenseman Becoming Trade Candidate

The Tampa Bay Lightning are likely to be aggressive at the trade deadline. So far, Tampa Bay has been solid this season, but it's clear that they could use a boost to help them make their fourth straight Stanley Cup Final this spring. One player who they could use in a trade package to make a notable upgrade to their group is young defenseman Cal Foote.

Foote is a former first-round pick who has yet to take that next step as a legitimate top-four defenseman. This season has been quiet again for the 6-foot-5 right-shot defenseman, as he has just one goal and an even rating in 12 games. Although he has not been bad, the Lightning have other defensemen outplaying him, which has led to his spot on their depth chart dropping. Nicklaus Perbix, for example, appears to be securing himself a top-four spot already.

We will have to wait and see what the Lightning do with Foote from here.