The Tampa Bay Lightning have been riding high this season, thanks to a combination of star performances and unexpected contributions from the roster. Andrei Vasilevskiy is delivering a Vezina-caliber season, while Nikita Kucherov is racking up multi-point games like they're going out of style. But it's the emergence of players like Darren Raddysh, Charle-Edouard D’Astous, and Dominic James stepping up during injury spells that's truly set the Lightning apart and kept them at the top of the standings.
This depth has given GM Julien BriseBois some much-needed roster flexibility, even as the team navigates salary cap constraints. While face-offs might be a slight concern, the Lightning's roster is otherwise solid, leaving BriseBois to ponder potential trades that could bolster the team further. Any significant move would require sending some salary the other way.
One name that surfaces in trade discussions is Oliver Bjorkstrand, but as one of the few right-hand shots on the team, and with his play on the upswing, moving him might not be the best option. However, the rise of Dominic James introduces some redundancy in the lineup, especially with Anthony Cirelli's impending return.
James, who has tallied 5 goals and 8 assists in 41 games, has brought speed and energy to the Lightning's middle-six. When Cirelli and Nick Paul are healthy, it creates a logjam that might push James to a fourth-line role alongside Bjorkstrand and Scott Sabourin. This setup offers speed and forechecking prowess while the top lines take a breather.
The real intrigue begins when the forward group is fully healthy-a rarity this season. With Cirelli and Nick Paul in the lineup, someone might have to shift positions.
The Lightning have a history of centers playing on the wing, as seen with Steven Stamkos. But if BriseBois aims to add another forward, who becomes expendable?
Trading Nick Paul could be a strategic move. While injuries have limited him to 34 games this season, his cap hit of $3.15 million is reasonable, especially with the cap expected to rise. Paul, a valuable asset with three years left on his contract, offers cost certainty-something GMs covet.
Despite a dip in offensive output, Paul remains effective with strong possession numbers and a 54.4% face-off success rate, the best among regulars. He's not the fastest skater but uses his size effectively in puck battles.
Dominic James, on the other hand, has impressed with his speed and ability to generate offense through the neutral zone. After joining the Lightning from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, he quickly made his mark with a brief stint in Syracuse before solidifying his place in Tampa Bay.
James has shown versatility similar to Paul's, playing various roles at 5v5. While he hasn't seen much special teams action, his skill set suggests he could be a solid penalty killer. According to RAPM metrics, both players have had modest offensive impacts, but James has been stronger defensively this season.
As the Lightning transition from their Golden Era, integrating younger talent like James becomes crucial. While Paul has been a solid contributor, James offers potential at a lower cap hit, providing BriseBois with flexibility for future roster moves.
If a suitable trade doesn't materialize before the deadline, Paul could be moved in the summer. Teams seeking experience and productivity for their middle-six might find Paul an appealing target, potentially offering draft picks or prospects in return. BriseBois has previously traded key pieces to create cap space, and with extensions looming for players like Darren Raddysh and Nikita Kucherov, every dollar counts.
Ultimately, trading Nick Paul isn't a necessity, but as part of a larger deal, it could make strategic sense without weakening the team.