Improved Blueline a Goal For The Lightning at The Deadline

As the March 4 the NHL trade deadline approaches, rumors and speculation fly around non-stop. Some are true and some are completely off the mark. 

Although there hasn't been much talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning since the Lecavalier rumors, expect the Lightning to be right in the thick of things come March 4.  Last year the franchise traded away star center Brad Richards to the Dallas Stars.  In return, they received Jeff Halpern, Jussi Jokinen, and Mike Smith.

This year, the emphasis should be the blueline. The Lightning's defense is a young and inexperienced group that has been plagued by injury but do show some potential.  That being said, the defense still must be addressed at the deadline. Two of the six regulars on defense are unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.

Chicago Blackhawks' Brent Seabrook could be the perfect candidate for the Bolts.  Seabrook is currently on the 'Hawk second defensive pairing.  A 14th overall pick in 2003, he has offensive capabilites and can be physical. 

Seabrook is only 23-years-old and will be a restricted free agent in 2012.  His contract is worth $3.5 million a year. 

According to SportingNews, the 'Hawks need a solid centerman and veteran wingers to help their surge towards the Cup, and they may be willing to give up Seabrook.  Chicago has depth at the defense position as well. 

Since wingers Mark Recchi, 41, and Gary Roberts, 43, will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, it would make sense for the Bolts to move them and get value in return.

It's not a good idea to keep them, because their futures are uncertain and they make good trade bait for playoff and Cup contenders as well. 

Jeff Halpern may also be that solid centerman the Blackhawks are looking for. Halpern is a two-way centerman and a reliable faceoff man. He also brings experience and leadership into the locker room.

Seabrook should be a prime target for Lightning general manager Brian Lawton. Lawton should consider putting a package together that may include some combination of either Halpern, Recchi, or Roberts. 

If this deal or a similar deal goes through, a second or third round draft pick should also come with Seabrook. Maybe even a some sort of conditional pick.

Although this trade deadline can really help the Lightning with their blueline woes, don't expect it to turn this team around overnight. The Lightning still need to sign a veteran puck-moving defenseman in the summer, a vacant spot since the departure of Dan Boyle. 

Unrestricted free agent Jordan Leopold might be a possibility. Jay Bowmeester would probably cost way too much.  Keeping in mind the probable departures of Roberts and Recchi, the Bolts will need to find scoring winger.

This trade dealine and coming offseason will be the finest hour of Brian Lawton and the new ownership.  They will have to prove to Tampa that they have what it takes to turn a struggling franchise into a future playoff and Cup contender.