Lightning’s perfect trade target amid 2026 NHL Free Agency
· Yahoo Sports
Visit bettingx.bond for more information.
Morgan Tencza-Imagn ImagesLightning’s perfect trade target amid 2026 NHL Free Agency appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made some intriguing moves in NHL Free Agency this summer. Another disappointing postseason exit has forced this team to go back to the drawing board. This year, they did make a big splash with the John Carlson signing. Outside of that, though, they focused mainly on their depth.
It’s hard for a team like the Lightning to go through the playoff failures they have. Tampa is one of the most talented teams in the league on paper. The Lightning arguably should be a Stanley Cup contender every season. However, their last appearance in the Final came back in 2022. And that was also the last time they made it past round one.
Their most recent failure may be the most painful, as well. Tampa lost in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens while surrendering just nine shots in the deciding contest. The Canadiens did go on to the Eastern Conference Finals, but lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
What makes this especially painful is how things went for Montreal following their defeat of the Lightning. The Habs fought tooth and nail to survive the Buffalo Sabres in the second round. Then in the East Final, they were destroyed by Carolina despite winning the first game. That East Final against the Hurricanes is one of the most lopsided playoff matchups of all time.
The Lightning could have realistically won the Stanley Cup had they beaten the Habs in round one. They have made important moves, but there is still time to add to this roster. With this in mind, here is one perfect trade candidate for Tampa to pursue late in 2026 NHL Free Agency.
Flames’ Connor Zary could elevate Lightning’s bottom-six
Bob Kupbens-Imagn ImagesThe Lightning’s roster, for the most part, is complete. However, there is one area that could stand to be upgraded: the bottom-six. In fairness, Tampa did address this in NHL Free Agency. They signed Jeffrey Viel and Ilya Mikheyev to contracts to help bolster the bottom of the lineup.
At the same time, there is room for improvement here. Adding additional depth here would make a lot of sense. If they could get a bit younger in the process, that would be a welcome sight, as well.
With this in mind, Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary makes a ton of sense as a trade candidate. Zary was once seen as a top prospect for Calgary, entering 2025-26 with some hype around him. One season later, and rumor has it the Flames are willing to trade the 24-year-old for the right price.
Zary can contribute at both ends of the ice but is not exceptional in either area. He is fine defensively, but it’s not exactly his strength. He isn’t the most skilled offensive player in the world, but he can certainly put up points for his team.
There will be some financial finagling needed to make this work. However, taking a chance on a young player such as Zary helps the Lightning now and in the future. Zary can provide the bottom six with an offensive spark. And if he sees power play time, he could help set up the likes of Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, putting them in positions to succeed even more than they already do.
The Lightning want to make another run at the Stanley Cup right now, but they also need to think about the future. Trading for Zary gives Tampa the chance to improve the team now and for potential playoff runs to come.