Lightning Rumors: Ducks Defenseman On Team's Radar

The Tampa Bay Lightning are heating up and are climbing up in the NHL standings because of it. Due to this, GM Julien BriseBois has made it clear that he plans to improve their roster at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline and that he will not even consider moving Steven Stamkos.

One area that the club will be looking to improve is their defensive depth. Their right side could particularly use a boost, and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin has been confirmed to be one of their targets.

Lyubushkin is expected to be moved before the trade deadline passes, as he is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). With that, teams are always looking for a right-shot defenseman to add to their depth, and it also helps that he plays an immensely heavy game. That makes him an ideal trade target for a team with high expectations like the Bolts.

If the Ducks retain half of Lyubushkin's salary, the Lightning would easily be able to fit him into their group. Given the fact that he is on an expiring contract, it is likely that the Ducks would be willing to, especially if it makes the return for him better.

We will need to wait and see if the Lightning and Ducks strike a deal centering around Lyubushkin from here.

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