Lightning trade for potential Steven Stamkos replacement

Carolina Hurricanes left winger Jake Guentzel.

On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced they traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes for pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel.

On Saturday, the Lightning dealt defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club and left winger Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings to create cap space. Spotrac estimates Tampa Bay has $13.835M in cap room, but it may need to clear more to sign Guentzel.

The Athletic's Chris Johnston reported the Hurricanes offered him an eight-year, $64M deal earlier this week. However, he didn't accept it. Johnston added that the Lightning could sign the 29-year-old left winger to a maximum of seven years since he wasn't on their reserve list at the trade deadline.

If the Lightning sign Guentzel, he could help them replace center Steven Stamkos. Per Johnston, Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois recently announced Stamkos will explore free agency.

Stamkos has been one of the franchise's premier players since it selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2008, winning two Stanley Cups and making two All-Star Games. Last season, the 34-year-old tied for 15th in the league in goals (40 in 79 games), meaning he should attract suitors in free agency.

Guentzel, meanwhile, scored 30 goals and logged 47 assists in 67 games with the Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins last season. He has also scored 40 goals twice in eight seasons and helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2016-17.

Tampa Bay's attack features right winger Nikita Kucherov and center Brayden Point, so adding Guentzel should help it remain strong.

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