The Tampa Bay Lightning were in cap issues due to Kucherov being placed on LTIR they were unsure what to do after drowning in today's salary cap era, but they found a way to abuse the LTIR loophole and won the Stanley Cup.
It was also revealed that a franchise-altering trade nearly took place before the Lightnings cup streak took place, according to Jeff Marek NHL insider. The Tampa Bay Lightning were attempting to deal Nikita Kucherov to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for star forward Leon Draisaitl.
This was before the Lightning went on their cup streak meaning both players were not really broken out of their shell yet, especially Leon Draisaitl.
This trade would have been amazing to see unfold, Kucherov being Connor McDavid's right-hand man with his shooting abilities and Draisaitl being the playmaker that Steven Stamkos has wished upon throughout his career.
Who would have won the trade? Answer below!
POLL | ||
JUIN 16 | 131 ANSWERS The Best Trade of The Century That Almost Happened.. Who would have won this possible trade of the century!? | ||
The Oilers | 59 | 45 % |
The Lightning | 72 | 55 % |
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