I don't understand how the Middleton rumors came about, or why Tampa is interested (if true). Hedman-Sergachev is a disaster pairing. Unless Middleton can play RD I don't know why we'd go after a LHD.

Not sure. Lightning scouts have been at Sharks home games a lot in the last few weeks. He's mostly played left side with Karlsson this year and has done an excellent job. Strong metrics, plays in all situations, stands up for his teammates. If SJ does trade him, he will be a hot commodity.

Hope we keep him. Will sign fairly cheap next year and we spent four years developing him.

I agree he's a good player, but he's the one position that Tampa doesn't need to add at with Hedman, McDonagh, and Sergachev manning our left-side defense.

I cannot imagine that we'd go out a get him just to scratch him behind those three, so I assume moving Sergy next to Hedman would be the hypothetical move. I don't like those two together on a pairing, but it's the only thing that makes sense.

Pierre Lebrun stated Tampa, St Louis and Boston were interested on Insider Trading

Vancouver accepts this trade.

Hedman-Serg has only had a few games. Middleton-Serg could also work as a 3rd pairing with Hedman-Rutta, McD-Cernak as the top 4. Maybe Middleton isn't a target but he fits what Tampa usually looks for in a dman.

Sergy may be moved sometime next season if it looks like he won't take a deal(plus Cernak and Cirelli are more vital to re-sign). Acquiring a relatively young and cheap LD now could be of help both thks year and beyond, not only if Serg is moved but also as Hedman and/or McD begin to decline.