Lightning Seek Defensive Upgrades Ahead of Trade Deadline

Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois eyes right side of blue line to bolster Stanley Cup chances

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Lightning, tied atop the Eastern Conference, are looking to add to their defensive corps before the NHL trade deadline. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the team's GM Julien BriseBois is focused on upgrading the right side of the Lightning's blue line, seeking a player who can contribute now and in the future.

Why it matters

The Lightning have been one of the NHL's top teams this season, but their right-side defensive depth has been a concern, with pending free agent Darren Raddysh and injured Maxwell Crozier not seen as long-term solutions. Strengthening this area could be key to Tampa Bay's chances of returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2022.

The details

The Lightning's current top-three right-side defensemen are Erik Cernak, Raddysh, and Crozier. However, only Cernak is viewed as a long-term piece, with Raddysh set to hit free agency this summer and Crozier recovering from core muscle surgery. BriseBois is looking to add a player who can contribute immediately and also have term on their contract, potentially targeting options like the New York Rangers' Braden Schneider, a pending restricted free agent, or the more expensive Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils.

  • The NHL trade deadline is approaching in the coming weeks.

The players

Julien BriseBois

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who is seeking to upgrade his team's defensive corps ahead of the trade deadline.

Erik Cernak

A top-pairing right-side defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning, seen as a long-term piece of the team's blue line.

Darren Raddysh

A right-side defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning who is set to become a free agent this summer, making him a potential trade target.

Maxwell Crozier

A right-side defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning who is currently injured and recovering from core muscle surgery.

Braden Schneider

A right-side defenseman for the New York Rangers who is a pending restricted free agent, and could be a trade target for the Lightning.

Dougie Hamilton

A veteran right-side defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who could be an expensive trade target for the Lightning.

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What they’re saying

“The right side of that 'D' corps has been something that they've been looking to add. [I] wouldn't be surprised if [Lightning GM Julien] BriseBois pulls that off. Now, one of the things he did tell me during the Stadium Series was that if they make a move, they don't just want it to be for this season. They view it as adding now and impacting the roster moving forward. So, to me, that means somebody with term or at least somebody controllable.”

— David Pagnotta, NHL Insider

What’s next

The Lightning will likely continue to explore trade options for right-side defensemen ahead of the NHL's trade deadline, with a focus on finding a player who can contribute immediately and also have term on their contract.

The takeaway

The Tampa Bay Lightning's pursuit of a right-side defenseman ahead of the trade deadline highlights the team's commitment to building a Stanley Cup-winning roster, even as they currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. GM Julien BriseBois is willing to be aggressive in the trade market to find the right piece to bolster his team's blue line and make a deep playoff run.