Don't see TB moving Colton this season unless they are getting a better and/or cheaper NHL player.

Why would Tampa do that, easy no from their end

Thats exactly what I tried to do. This is for next season when he needs a re-up $$$. Asplund likely demands less and TBL gets a higher draft

Lol OKAY!! but what would it take lmao. Just tell me so I can get this thought out of my head. In my mind he is the perfect trade target for BUF and TBL likely open to moving him

Even if the Lightning wants to trade him, why would they trade in the same division?

Well that's exactly what they are getting.

Bad trade for buffalo

Bc hes a middle 6 guy... Look at Vanacek trade and Marino trade which were arguable more impactful. Why did they trade w/in division? They got the right offer/met the asking price

Just find an alternative to Colton.

Even if Asplund has a higher ceiling, I would say that Colton is the better player now. For that reason, combined with the fact that they know Colton is a great fit in their system, I don't think Asplund is enough of "an upgrade" for them to look at him and say "well he'll be great in our system" or "he can do what Ross can but has a higher ceiling". However, if they do believe that Asplund can be resigned for cheaper (which is probably true) plus the ability to move up in the draft could be enough for them to consider. Although, I think they would want another pick too, like a 4th or 5th.

Since Tampa is still in win mode, they keep Colton this season. Now if Tampa needs cap next summer, now I trade is possible.

Yes I know. This is for next season. What would a possible trade be around?

NSH wants no part of that.

Certainly think it could. I'm just wondering if Tampa would like immediate cap back in a trade. Sabres have prospects and picks...maybe Tampa would like to replenish their prospects and picks instead of saving a bit of cap with Asplund. But certainly you're trade thought is good.

Tampa wont trade Colton. He will more than likely get a bridge deal next summer so they can still put a contending team on the ice. Cap will go up a tad, but they have 3 extensions kicking in so they dont have a ton of money to fill out the rest of the team. Colton is an important piece to the top 9, and he fits well. No sense for tampa to move a guy they dont already trust for a guy they dont.

That guys a trolling Leafs fan. He has no clue what Colton's value is. I think that would be a fair trade as you proposed it above, assuming Asplund would sign with Tampa at a lower AAV than Colton would there. I could also see them interested in someone like Ryan Johnson, as he would be NHL ready next season and be on an ELC for a few years.

Ross is coming to NJ in the offseason. Match made in heaven. Especially considering the prospects and young talent NJ could give Tampa. And Ross is one of the few NHLers that are devs fan growing up