NHL Trade Rumors: 2 Tampa Bay Lightning Trade Candidates

The Tampa Bay Lightning made some massive moves so far this offseason as general manager Julien BriseBois turned his roster on it's head. Steven Stamkos signed in Nashville, Mikhail Sergachev was traded to Utah and BriseBois made a huge splash signing Jake Guentzel to a long-term contract.

While it's quiet for now on Tampa, that could easily change in one clean swoop. BriseBois has shown over the years he'll always be aggressive on the trade market and even with the recent horrific trade involving Tanner Jeannot, it hasn't slowed the Lightning exec down one bit.

Here's two Lightning trade candidates heading into next season:

Nicklaus Perbix

Perbix is a pending unrestricted free agent who is on the books for $1.1 million AAV next season. So far there hasn't been much reported on a contract extension and he'll certainly be someone to monitor on the trade market. Perbix appeared in 77 games last season, recording 24 points. He played just over 17 minutes per game and should see his workload increase this season without Sergachev. Perbix was originally a 2017 sixth-round pick and has shown a strong two-way game to chip in on offense and be a shot-blocking force.

Brandon Hagel

Hagel is one of the only forwards on Tampa without any trade protection, who still hold value on the trade market. At $6.5 million over the next four years, if Tampa falters early on next season, his name could be added to some trade lists around the league. Hagel's trade protection kicks in before the 2026-27 season. Last season, Hagel recorded 26 goals and 75 points in 82 games and is expected to have a big season in Tampa. BriseBois loves shocking trades, this certainly would classify.

PHoto credit:  Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports