Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Like Most Teams, The Tampa Bay Lightning Are In Wait And See Mode

06/10/2017 at 5:56pm EDT

from Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times,

"The expansion draft is on everyone's mind right now," Yzerman said. "I'm not really sure what we'll be able to do. I've just got to be patient and see how things play out."

Vegas, which begins play next season, appears ready to deal, and it's likely the Golden Knights will have moves to announce this week once the Stanley Cup final is over. Vegas GM George McPhee told Canada's TSN TV network he's willing to take on some bad contracts of other teams and is looking to compile draft picks (the Lightning has two second-rounders at this year's June 23-24 amateur draft).

Yzerman said he has spoken with McPhee but isn't sure if he can work out a side deal, which would control what unprotected Lightning player is chosen in the expansion draft. But Tampa Bay could also make moves this week with teams that have a glut on defense (see: Ducks, Wild). The issue there is any player the Lightning would get in return would have to be on its expansion-draft protected list, which is due at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Yzerman could also make a move with Vegas in which the Golden Knights agree to take a certain team's defenseman in the expansion draft, then ship him to Tampa Bay in a separate deal.

"A lot of things are out of my control right now," Yzerman said. "I don't know what other teams are discussing with regard to expansion and Vegas. I know what I'd like to do, but we'll see how it plays out."

more on the Lightning...

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