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3 things Lightning fans should know about Ben Bishop trade

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 23, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) looks on after he gave up a goal during the third period at Amalie Arena. Calgary Flames defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) looks on after he gave up a goal during the third period at Amalie Arena. Calgary Flames defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ben Bishop trade is understandably a bit shocking. But here’s three things Tampa Bay Lightning fans should know about it. 

Tampa Bay Lightning fans have to be surprised about the Ben Bishop trade. It shouldn’t be a surprise he was moved, but in the way that he was is a bit shocking. The Lightning, after all, were making a tad bit of a run after a rough start to the season. This trade is a lot to process and fans likely have some conflicting feelings about it.

Lightning fans should know the Bishop trade affects a lot of things. It says plenty about Tampa Bay and their future. Here are three things Lightning fans should know about the Bishop trade.

The time is now for Andrei Vasilevskiy

This is nothing new, as Andrei Vasilevskiy was expected to take over as the starting goalie after this season. However, now he gets a head start for his new job. Sure, Vasilevskiy has had a rough season. But this pain is necessary for the growth of a young goaltender. Vasilevskiy is a very promising prospect. Bishop being in Tampa made his growth a bit stunted. Now Vasilevskiy gets to be the starter moving forward. For better or for worse, the keys are in his ignition.

Brian Boyle is next to be traded

The Ben Bishop trade confirms the Lightning are open for business. They could replenish their farm system if they play their cards right. While they waited too long to trade Bishop, getting Erik Cernak is a pretty nice consolation prize. He’s a mobile defenseman and a top prospect who projects to be a second pairing defenseman. Cernak should fit in perfectly in Tampa Bay’s system. The next domino to fall for the Lightning should be center Brian Boyle. If the Coyotes can get three draft picks for Martin Hanzal, a first round pick is a reasonable return for him.

Must Read: Kings acquire Bishop from Lightning

Tampa Bay will be fine

Don’t panic Lightning fans. This season has been a terrible one for sure. It has been nothing short of a seemingly eternal nightmare. But the Lightning are in very good shape to undergo a quick retooling. Steve Yzerman is one of the brightest general managers in the NHL. Jon Cooper is among its best coaches. That Steven Stamkos guy is pretty good too. It should surprise nobody if the Lightning are back in playoff contention next season.

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