Theres Always Next Year

Team: 2019-20 Tampa Bay Lightning

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 16, 2019

Published: Apr. 16, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I don't think a playoff choke requires a roster overhaul. I think the player's got too comfortable this season and just needed a wake-up call. So that being said, here's how I think the Lightning can keep this team relatively intact. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Signings:
Point: I know all the new RFAs are getting paid a ton of money, but I think they can convince Point to take Kucherov money.
Erne/Paquette: They're 4th liners and they know it. Somewhere around $1,000,000 shouldn't be too hard of a sell.
Rutta: He was scratched for some of the year, so a slight pay cut seems reasonable.

Call-Ups:
ABB: I could see Alex being another small, skilled find by the Lightning. He played very well against men in the AHL, and playing with either Point/Stamkos would ease him into the league
Foote: He is one of the best defensive prospects in the league and played well for an AHL rookie. Pairing him with Hedman will help take some of the burden off his shoulders and with his skill level, he might even be an improvement over Girardi. Worst case, I think he and Sergachev would make a pretty scary 3rd pair.

Gourde Trade:
I decided to move Gourde because he is more expendable (and still has trade value) compared to the other $5-6 Million contracts. I traded him to Ottawa because they have cap space and would rather have Gourde over a guy like Lucic to help them hit the cap floor. Also, most of their ELCs expire in 3 years, which is when Gourde's NTC becomes a Modified NTC, so they will have the option to move him if necessary.
I traded Gourde over Johnson/Miller because they have more proven track records and are more versatile, with both having a history of playing center.
Palat has also been around the Lightning for a while and has proven himself as a complete player. His contract also expires at 31 (2 years younger than Gourde will be at the end of his).
Callahan's contract is obviously the big anchor, but with only one more year, I think it's best to tough it out. I can see the Lighting needing roster spots in the future for new rookies, so getting rid of Gourde's 6-year deal while it still has value is better than moving Callahan now when the roster is already pretty set. Moving Callahan would also probably require the Lighting to move a pick out instead of getting one in return, even if you don't think it should be a 2nd rounder.