Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

If Steven Stamkos Is Traded

02/01/2016 at 8:42am EST

from Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune,

It remains to be seen where Stamkos will end up and whether the Lightning will trade their captain if they think a new contract will not be reached in time.

Stamkos has some say in the matter. With a full no-move clause in his contract, he cannot be traded or waived without granting his permission.

But if the Lightning did indeed consider trading Stamkos — rather than lose him as a free agent this summer and get nothing in return — what might Yzerman want? A right-handed defenseman? NHL players? Prospects? Draft picks?

And what teams might want in on the action? The criteria is limiting — with salary cap space being a big consideration.

There are four teams that have the resources to possibly acquire the two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner in hopes of signing him to a long-term extension. And there are four teams with the resources to possibly acquire Stamkos — and the balance of his $7.5 million salary cap hit — as a “rental” player in a bid to win the Stanley Cup this season.

LOOKING TO BUY?

- St. Louis

The Blues have been a playoff disappointment in recent seasons, failing to advance beyond the first round despite being a strong team on paper. And St. Louis has shown they are not afraid to pull off a big move at the deadline, just as it did in acquiring goaltender Ryan Miller two years ago. But if the Blues were to acquire Stamkos, they likely would want assurances he would remain with the team because it will cost St. Louis roster players to bring him in to the fold.

Estimated available cap space: $3.4 million*

read on for more teams...

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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