Tampa Bay Lightning: Which Players Could Be Moved By The Trade Deadline?

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Oct 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing J.T. Brown (23) against the Philadelphia Flyers works out prior to the game at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Before I get stated about Brown potentially being moved else wear before the trade deadline, I would just like to talk about how impressed I have been with him this season. When the season began, Brown was one of those players who has not been overly impressive during his time in Tampa Bay and is in the last year of him contract. If you were to ask me at the beginning of the year if Brown was going to be resigned, I would have told you no. Now, if he makes it past the trade deadline, I would love to see the Lightning resign him.

Now, the NHL is a business, and moving Brown would purely be a business decision. That impressive play I was talking about earlier? Well, it might work against J.T. come trade deadline time. Brown is in the last year of his contract, and is a restricted free agent come July 1st, 2016. If his impressive play continues, Brown could be looking for a raise that the Lightning may not be able to afford. This will be a constant theme as this article progresses.

Again, J.T. Brown has done nothing but impress this season, but in a salary cap world, if you have someone that can come and take your place, you end up being expendable. In Brown’s case, the timing of what looks to be his breakout season, combined with the potential salary cap woes the Lightning could face and the talent in the minor leagues that could replace him, could make Brown an easy candidate to be moved for draft picks or prospects come early February.

Taking Browns place would be Jonathan Marchessualt, who has impressed during his time with the Lightning this season. Marchessualt may not have the top end speed Brown has, but he has the ability to forecheck like Brown does with a better shot and finishing ability. Think about it, if the team could deal Brown in order to save money and gain draft picks/prospects while easily replacing him with a player that could be better in the long run? I’ll take it. Sorry, J.T.

Next: Alex Killorn

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