3 Trade Targets For The Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning's biggest need is productive bottom-6 players. If they could even get a little bit more scoring from the bottom of the lineup, the team would be in great position. The Lightning have been heavily carried offensively by the stars and top-6.

It shouldn't be too difficult for the Lightning to find players who can help out more than some of the pieces that are currently on the roster. The team has also been able to add key pieces for playoff runs in recent seasons, so there have been more hits than misses and it is a yearly thing for Tampa Bay to go for it. Here are some of the top options that could be targeted by the trade deadline.

Jake Evans

If the Montreal Canadiens trade Jake Evans instead of re-signing him, he isn't going to come cheap, but could be a real game-changer in the bottom-6. He currently lines up as the fourth line center, but plays over 15:30 per game. His ice time is really bolstered by the penalty kill.

Evan is 27 years old and is in the final year of a three-year, $1.7 million AAV deal. He becomes a UFA after the season, but what should intrigue the Lightning and many other teams is his offensive production that has really picked up from where it has been the rest of his NHL career. He has a career high of 13 goals and 29 points, but is already at 10 goals and 23 points in 38 games this season. He could be a very good rental that is cap-friendly.

Gustav Nyquist

If the Nashville Predators don't start winning a ton of games and get themselves back in the playoff race, there are going to be more players moved. The most obvious of the bunch will be Gustav Nyquist. He has played very well once joining the Predators last season, but is 34 years old on a team where all the top players are veterans and in the final year of a two-year, $3.185 million AAV deal.

Nyquist would fetch a decent return, even considering he has seven goals and 16 points this season. That is still much better than most of the depth on the Lightning. This option wouldn't be Tampa Bay's first, but is still definitely an option who could put up some points from the third line and has playoff experience.

Nick Bjugstad/Michael Carcone

The Utah Hockey Club is probably going to be selling for one final year. A number of their young players have taken a step, but injuries have also hurt them. On the way out will likely be veteran Nick Bjugstad and Michael Carcone. They are very different players and neither will cost very much to acquire.

Carcone scored 21 goals last season and could be a sneaky addition who finds that game again, or Bjugstad has been around and has lots of experience while being 6'6 and a fit for the playoffs. Carcone is much easier to fit into the cap, but Bjugstad won't be extremely difficult either. Some younger talent have taken over in Utah, but both of these players have shown in the recent past they can still contribute.