Tampa Bay Lightning Trade Rumors: Ben Bishop To Calgary Flames
The latest rumor making its way around the internet is the possibility of Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop being traded to the Calgary Flames.
As much as some of us would like to deny it, there are going to be some changes made to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s roster over the course of the next few days. Some of those changes will be welcomed while others will feel like the cold steel of death plunging into our hearts. Unfortunately, this is one of those seasons where some difficult decisions need to be made.
Earlier this afternoon, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed two of the outstanding contracts that were on the board for this coming weekend. The first of those contracts was a one-year, two-way extension with Lightning defenseman Luke Witkowski. Not long after the Witkowski signing, the Lightning announced they had come to terms with Lightning forward J.T. Brown on a two-year, one-way contract.
Unfortunately, the news we bring to you now won’t be quite as pleasant as the previously aforementioned contracts. Over the past couple of days, there have been rumors making their way around the internet that would see Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop sent to the Calgary Flames in some sort of Draft Day deal. Today, it is beginning to look like those rumors are coming closer to being a reality.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the Calgary Flames are pushing hard for a goaltender. Right now, there are two solid prospects in their sights. In addition to looking to Tampa Bay for a chance at Ben Bishop, they are also keeping an eye on St. Louis Blues goaltender Brian Elliot. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay Lightning fans, it seems as if they have their hearts set on Bishop.
There is one big difference between today and the previous rumors making their way around the hockey world. Beforehand, the Flames had not been granted permission to speak with Bishop’s camp about a deal. According to McKenzie, this is no longer the case and Calgary may speak freely with Bishop regarding a move.
Eventually, there was going to come a time when Yzerman was going to have to make a decision between Ben Bishop and Andrei Vasilevskiy. At least for right now, Tampa Bay Lightning fans thought they had a little more time to make the decision. Unfortunately, with the NHL Expansion becoming a reality, the team can only shield one goaltender so the time for a decision has officially come to pass.
It is unknown at this point whether a deal actually is or will be in the works; however, we would assume the world will know for sure in the early moments of the draft tonight. The Calgary Flames have the sixth overall pick in tonight’s draft, and you can bet your bottom dollar if Bishop is headed to another team, that sixth overall pick, in addition to some other form of compensation, is headed the direction of the Sunshine State.
Next: 5 Possible Destinations For A Free Agent Stamkos
We are just a few hours away from the start of the chaos known as the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. There is a part of us that is very skeptical of what lies ahead for the Tampa Bay Lightning, but this is one of those moments where despite your fears, you simply cannot stand to look away. Needless to say, we’ll be here with you through all the mayhem tonight.