Nov 7, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Matt Carle (25) shoots in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Oh the dreaded Matt Carle conversation. It is not the first time I have talked about Carle in trade talks and it surly won’t be the last. Remember when Carle was held out of a few games and trade rumors began swirling? Yeah. That just proves Carle won’t be moved this trade deadline.
If you were an NHL General Manager, would you give up a draft pick for an average defender who is making over $5 million dollar/season? No. So, even though most of Lightning nation was ready to celebrate when Carle trade rumors began to swirl, lets face it, as I have mentioned before, Matt Carle isn’t going anywhere.
Now, Matt Carle has actually played very well recently. He is cutting down on his turnovers, using his body more along the wall, and is in better position. It seems like Jon Cooper has finally found a good partner for Carle in Jason Garrision, as the pair has been pretty efficient while together on the ice.
Related: The Real Matt Carle Effect
If a high priced blue liner were to be moved, it would be Braydon Coburn and not Matt Carle. Atleast some teams would be interested in Coburn if he were to be placed on the block, but I doubt he is moved either.
Honestly, at this point, I do not see any Lightning defenseman being moved before the trade deadline. After the season? Potentially. Especially considering the fact that Coburn’s contract expires and there will be more salary cap space available if a team were willing to take Matt Carle. But again, Matt Carle will not be moved before the trade deadline.
Next: Steven Stamkos