3 Players Lightning Could Trade Next

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been forced to make some big changes over the past couple of seasons. They have opted to sign most of their young core to lucrative contracts long-term and it has forced some players out. This will continue to impact them as they will either have to move out more money or trade players before they are needing bigger paydays. Let's look at who the Lightning could trade next.

Brandon Hagel

The Lightning paid a lot for Brandon Hagel to have him at a $1.5 million AAV cap hit for over two seasons and three playoff runs. He is now heading into his final season under contract, but is a RFA next summer. This didn't stop the Lightning from trading Ross Colton because they couldn't afford him. The Lightning would really like to keep Hagel, but he is going to be needing a significant raise after a 30 goal, 64 point season with some consideration for the Selke Trophy. If a trade comes, it would happen after the season so the Lightning have him for one final season.

Tanner Jeannot

There was a ton of criticism towards the Lightning for paying so much for Tanner Jeannot during a down season. He played very well as a rookie and the Lightning will continue to give him a shot. They signed him for two years at $2.665 million AAV, but if he struggles and is forced to play at the bottom of the lineup again, he is a contract the Lightning will have to consider shedding. They need more than six goals and 18 points from a top-six winger, despite his physical game.

Philippe Myers

The Lightning made a weird move signing Philippe Myers prematurely as it will now cost them some much-needed cap money to either have him on the roster not contributing a lot or in the minors. The team has more than enough options on defense and Myers isn't needed, so he will be looked at as a cap dump by the trade deadline either going to a team with room or heading back in a trade where the Lightning upgrade for their playoff run.