5 Free Agents the Tampa Bay Lightning Should Target In 2015 NHL Offseason

5 Free Agents the Tampa Bay Lightning Should Target In 2015 NHL Offseason

By Nick Villano

5 Free Agents the Tampa Bay Lightning Should Target In 2015 NHL Offseason

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The Tampa Bay Lightning went on a wild ride this postseason that saw them come two games short of a championship. Their run has changed the way some are looking to build their teams this offseason. The problem is now the Lightning are very cap strapped going into free agency. Luckily, they don't need much, but they could look to get deals on the following five players.

5. Martin Erat

Tampa Bay Lightning
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5. Martin Erat

Tampa Bay Lightning
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This one could be a long shot, but depending on how bad Martin Erat wants to win will show how willing he is to come to Tampa. He is coming off a lost season with the Coyotes. While other teams will likely offer him more money, the Lightning will offer him a chance to play with the likes of Steven Stamkos, Tyler Johnson and the rest of their young talent.

4. Anton Volchenkov

Tampa Bay Lightning
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4. Anton Volchenkov

Tampa Bay Lightning
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The Lightning are pretty set on defense, but they could use another veteran to put on the blue line. Anton Volchenkov is definitely on the back nine of his career, but he is still a great penalty killer. They could use him as an injury fill-in. He just wants a short deal that will allow him to prove he still has something left.

3. Bobby Butler

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3. Bobby Butler

Tampa Bay Lightning
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Bobby Butler is a name you may have heard before. He was a guy who seemed like he was going to be a very good scorer in the NHL. Unfortunately, he cannot do it in the big leagues. He scored 22 goals for the San Antonio Rampage, but couldn't find a spot with the Florida Panthers. Playing with the sheer talent on Tampa could revitalize his career for no more than the minimum.

2. P.A. Parenteau

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2. P.A. Parenteau

Tampa Bay Lightning
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This is another player who has to let the market settle before the Lightning can jump, but if he is willing to take a major pay cut, he would fit right in. He had his worst season of his career last year, and P.A. Parenteau wants to show he is worthy of another shot. Going to the Lightning and helping them out for cheap will be a great way to earn another mid-level contract elsewhere.

1. Patrick Eaves

Tampa Bay Lightning
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1. Patrick Eaves

Tampa Bay Lightning
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Patrick Eaves is one of those talents that will go for cheap this offseason and many will wonder why. It looks like the Dallas Stars are attempting to keep him, but they may not want to give him a deal beyond one year. If the Lightning come in with a deal for two years and around $ 3-4 million, then they could probably get him and get five times that in value.

Nick Villano is the NHL feature writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

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