Tampa Bay Lightning: 3 players they should trade after Stanley Cup win

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Tyler Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Tyler Johnson

Cap hit: $5 million

Length: 4 more years

Clauses: Full no-trade clause

Much like Gourde, Tyler Johnson played an underrated role this season. After putting up 31 points in 65 games during the regular season (the lowest total of his career during a full season), he had seven points in 25 playoff games.

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Johnson’s probably the player Tampa would like to get rid of. Unfortunately, Steve Yzerman gave him a full no-trade clause back in 2017. While it does switch to a modified NTC after the 2020-21 season, the Lightning would really benefit from getting his $5 million off the books.

At 30 years old, Johnson’s not getting any younger. And his full no-trade clause gives him all the leverage. Again, if he doesn’t want to go anywhere, he’s not going anywhere. Especially since it doesn’t sound like the Lightning are going to buy anyone out.

Johnson’s been a consistent and solid player for Tampa for years. Yet another one of their undrafted free agent success stories. He’s someone the locker room loves and he’s merely one season removed from putting up 47 points. But at the end of the day, the Lightning need to clear cap space and Johnson’s a logical candidate.

That NTC will probably save him. Or at least make it so Johnson can pick where he goes. But we’ve probably seen Johnson play his last game in Tampa.

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