The disappointing first-round playoff exits of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Washington Capitals have some of their fans calling for changes.
A case can be made for each club to address specific roster weaknesses through the trade market. The Penguins could use an injection of young talent, the Lightning must re-sign or replace three pending free-agent defensemen, the Leafs desperately need a top-two right-shot blueliner while the Capitals could use more speed.
It’s the salary cap, however, that will bring about significant changes for these four Eastern Conference clubs.
The Penguins have the least amount of wiggle room for 2019-20.