Several teams in the Eastern Conference are making significant roster changes ahead of free agency in the NHL. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, and Toronto Maple Leafs have all been active in trades, with potential impacts on their future seasons and pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
Tampa Bay made two trades, sending defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and forward Tanner Jeannot elsewhere. These moves helped the Lightning clear over $11 million in salary cap space. General manager Julien BriseBois stated that the additional funds will not immediately go to team captain Steven Stamkos, who is expected to test free agency.
Acquiring defenseman J.J. Moser, forward prospect Conor Geekie, and two draft picks, Tampa Bay secured 24-year-old Moser as a replacement for Sergachev. The Lightning now have the opportunity to replenish their prospect pool after eight consecutive playoff appearances, two championship wins, and three consecutive finals appearances.
The Lightning’s contending window remains open, and the team has the flexibility to improve through free agency. Their newfound cap space, along with favorable taxation, the chance to join a competitive team, and play alongside top players, makes Tampa Bay an appealing destination for free agents.
The Washington Capitals also made significant moves, acquiring center Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. They filled their goaltending void by acquiring Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights for two third-round picks.
Washington general manager Brian MacLellan described Thompson as a good goalie with upside and an advantageous contract. Thompson, who played 37 games for the Golden Knights during their 2022-23 championship run, sees this trade as an opportunity to prove himself in the league.
Additionally, the Capitals traded winger Beck Malenstyn to the Buffalo Sabres for the 43rd pick and traded up to select Ilya Protas. The Sabres gain valuable forward depth with the addition of Malenstyn as they aim to end the NHL’s longest playoff drought.
In their quest to end the longest Stanley Cup drought, the Toronto Maple Leafs took steps to upgrade their defense by acquiring the rights to pending free agent Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars. The trade gives Toronto the first chance to sign the 34-year-old defenseman, whom General Manager Brad Treliving praised as an elite defensive player.
Other notable trades include the St. Louis Blues sending Kevin Hayes and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations, and the Boston Bruins swapping Jakob Lauko for Vinni Lettieri with the Minnesota Wild.
Following the trade, the Sabres confirmed that they will buy out forward Jeff Skinner’s contract. This move will save Buffalo $7.5 million next season while spreading out the cap hit from the buyout through 2030.