The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to add to their defense before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. It is entirely understandable, as it is an area that needed improvement even before Mikhail Sergachev’s latest long-term injury.
The Lightning have been connected to some notable defensemen like Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Sean Walker because of it. However, they also have a depth defenseman on their radar, as The Fourth Period reported that the Bolts are linked to Ilya Lyubushkin of the Anaheim Ducks.
Ilya Lyubushkin © Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
The Fourth Period noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, and Dallas Stars are all connected to Lyubushkin as well.
Lyubushkin, 29, is a pending UFA on a rebuilding Ducks club, so the expectation is that he will be moved. Although he is not a star, he has been generating plenty of interest around the league because of his immense physicality and steady defensive play. He is a hard-nosed defenseman who is built for intense postseason hockey, so he would be an excellent addition to the Lightning’s roster.
Ilya Lyubushkin © Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Lyubushkin would be a fit on the Lightning’s bottom pairing if acquired. Along with that, he would be an obvious choice for their penalty kill because of his defense-first style of play.
In 53 games this season, Lyubushkin has four assists, 107 hits, and 133 blocks. Needless to say, his toughness would make the Lightning harder to go up against.
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