Kubina On Trading Block

Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

The Tampa Bay Lighting kept defensemen Pavel Kubina out of practice today, prompting questions about Kubina’s future with the organization. Steve Yzerman, the Lighting’s General Manager, has made it clear that a deal has not been made yet, but that Kubina will be held out of the lineup until further notice.

With Tampa Bay in thirteenth place in the Eastern Conference, the Lightning have become sellers in the trade market. Yzerman is looking to add depth to his organization with a trade this month, seeking young prospects in return for his aging defenseman. The Blues certainly have enough prospects to garner interest from Tampa Bay, as forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz, and goalie Ben Bishop could potentially yield Kubina and a second line forward.

St. Louis’ General Manager, Doug Armstrong is now in position to add defensive depth. Kubina has put the Blues on his list of teams he’d be willing to waive his no-trade clause for, giving St. Louis an advantage in negotiations. Armstrong will have to  decide if adding defensive depth to his roster before the playoffs is worth St. Louis’ top prospects.