Who should Tampa Bay Lightning target before trade deadline? Bertuzzi leads an interesting list

Without question, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been the most successful NHL franchise of the past five seasons, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. The Bolts also returned to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, falling to the Colorado Avalanche in six games.

The Lightning now find themselves as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, sitting sixth in the standings with a 35-17-3 record. While the roster remains similar to their championship squads, the team may need to look for help outside of the franchise to return to the finals again.

"Lightning’s 2023 Trade Deadline Target: The Washington Capitals? #TampaBayLightning #BeTheThunder #TBLightning #GoBolts" - Lightning Fans

The Lightning could use help on both offense and defense, which makes them an intriguing team to watch as the trade deadline approaches. Given The Bolts' history of making deals at the deadline, the team will likely look to the trade market to improve and capitalize on their championship window.

Several players have been linked to the Lightning on both offense and defense, including Luke Schenn, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Jesse Puljujarvi.

A reunion between Luke Schenn and the Tampa Bay Lightning may be perfect for both parties

A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning, the question of whether Luke Schenn will fit in with the team has already been answered. The defenseman would not only provide the Bolts with an increased presence on the blue line, but the veteran already has chemistry with the roster.

"Is it possible that the Tampa Bay Lightning could get back their former defenseman Luke Schenn? In the two seasons that he played on the team, they won two Stanley Cups. He’s been with seven differentteams and never succeeded like he did while playing" - Shop TBL Hockey

At 33 years old, Schenn should have plenty left in the tank for teams looking to make a deep playoff run. Another reason he will likely be traded is that he is a pending free agent with an affordable $850,000 contract. The Vancouver Canucks will most certainly move the veteran blueliner.

Tyler Bertuzzi could provide the Tampa Bay Lightning with grit/scoring depth

If the Detroit Red Wings decide to move on from Tyler Bertuzzi, the talented forward could be the perfect trade target for several teams. Bertuzzi's grit and scoring abilities make him the ideal addition for teams looking to get tougher before the trade deadline.

"Are the Lightning showing interest in Tyler Bertuzzi? Some Twitter buzz has the Lightning sending Vlady Namestikov, Cal Foote, and draft picks to Detroit for Bertuzzi..." - Jimmy Vegas

Bertuzzi's eight points in 22 games this season may not help Detroit receive a sizable return in a trade, but they could still receive assets in the future. Despite Bertuzzi's struggles this season, teams will hope he can regain his form from last season, which saw him post 30 goals and 32 assists in 68 games.

Could the Tampa Bay Lightning buy low on Jesse Puljujarvi?

The Edmonton Oilers seem to be done with former fourth-overall pick Jesse Puljujarvi. The team reportedly made the forward available for trades but recently considered extending him to a new contract. One thing is clear; the Oilers do not know what they want to do with the Swedish forward.

This could be an opportunity for the Tampa Bay Lightning to make a move for Puljujarvi, which could prove to be a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. While he has failed to live up to expectations, if any team can unlock Puljujarvi's untapped potential, it would be Tampa Bay.