The Tampa Bay Lightning are expected to make some changes to their group this offseason. After being quickly knocked out by the Florida Panthers in the first round, the Lightning should make adjustments.
The Lightning have limited cap space heading into the summer, so big free-agent splashes will unlikely occur unless they move out salary. While this is the case, they should look to bolster their bottom six.
Enter Colorado Avalanche forward Yakov Trenin.
Trenin, 27, quietly had a strong season split between the Nashville Predators and Avalanche, recording 12 goals and 17 points in 76 games. That is decent scoring from a bottom-six forward, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Trenin was nothing short of dominant regarding his physicality this season, as he posted a whopping 207 hits – a new career high. The Lightning adding a player with bite like that to their bottom six would be excellent.
Trenin is also known for playing a dependable defensive game, which would make him an option for the Lightning’s penalty kill. In addition, he offers great versatility, being able to play both down the middle and on the wing.
Ultimately, Trenin should be a hot commodity because of his toughness and decent two-way play. Let's see if the Bolts end up being among his suitors from here.
