Fansided

1 trade every NHL team should make

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Lightning

With captain Steven Stamkos on the long term injured reserve list, the Tampa Bay Lightning can afford to splurge at the NHL trade deadline. Their main target is a top four defenseman to assist their ailing defense. Tampa Bay relies a bit too heavily on their first pairing of Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman, so this makes a ton of sense. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many of those on the trade market. However, Michael Stone of the Arizona Coyotes makes a lot of sense as a rental option.

He’s used to playing big minutes, as he has averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game in each of his past three seasons. Another advantage is Stone is right handed, providing them with a quality second pairing option who can play on the right side. This will force Andrej Sustr into a much more appropriate third pairing role and potentially keep Braydon Coburn out of the lineup.

Stone has just six assists this season after having 36 points last season, but keep in mind the Coyotes have been struggling to score all season long. Also, it’s worth noting that of all the Arizona defenseman to play at least 20 games this season, as of Dec. 23, he has the second best plus-minus rating.

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