The New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning have reportedly discussed a trade that would send Keith Yandle to Tampa Bay and Jonathan Drouin to New York
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in an awkward situation after forward Jonathan Drouin publicly demanded a trade through his agent. It remains to be seen if the Lightning will oblige his request.
According to reports, the Lightning are at least discussing Jonathan Drouin with other teams. One of those teams is the New York Rangers.
From the New York Post:
"The Rangers are among a group of teams that have inquired about Tampa Bay’s disgruntled 20-year-left wing Jonathan Drouin. The Blueshirts could have a match for the Lightning in rental property Keith Yandle, the offense-inclined defenseman whose presumed availability is not based on his performance or value to this year’s team, but on the likelihood that he will hit the unrestricted free agent market on July 1."
The trade would make some sense for both sides. The Lightning would get Yandle, who could help their blue line get back to where it was last season when Tampa Bay rode their blue line all the way to the Stanley Cup. Yandle wouldn’t even be that expensive because the Arizona Coyotes are still technically paying for a good portion of his cap hit.
This deal would make sense for the Rangers because they need to make sure that they get something for Yandle. They will almost indefinitely not have the cap space to re-sign him. Getting a guy like Jonathan Drouin for him would help make them better for potentially the next five seasons.
The Lightning would likely want someone with some team control for a guy who has a ton of it in Jonathan Drouin. The Rangers could also offer their 2016 or 2017 first. They owe one of the two to the Arizona Coyotes. Expect to see lots of teams interested in Drouin.