TBL says yes and thank you.

HABS SAY NAH

This looks likes a no brainer for Tampa, but if I were Julien Brisebois, I would want a good prospect coming back. A player capable cracking the Lightning lineup within a year as appose to the time developing those draft picks. The quality of player drafted after the third round is slim. Tampa would have four cracks at, and no guarantee they could replace Gourde’s skill set. Later draft picks are always useful as sweeteners in future trades Tampa would do, but there is no asset coming back to immediately fill the void. Ideally, the Lightning need cheaper players (ELC’s) that are capable of playing in the NHL.