BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Lightning doesn’t have a top-five pick in this weekend’s NHL draft, selecting 27th overall in tonight’s first round, but few teams are inspiring as much intrigue around the First Niagara Center.
“Everyone is like, ‘I wonder what Tampa is going to do?’ “ NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes and former Lightning goalie said.
Specifically, will the Lightning be able to sign captain Steven Stamkos? And will Tampa Bay trade goaltender Ben Bishop?
General manager Steve Yzerman cryptically left the door open for both Thursday.
Yzerman is hoping for clarity on Stamkos by midnight tonight, when other clubs can contact Stamkos, an unrestricted free agent July 1.