Now It Gets Interesting...

Lately, the talk in Phoenix has been goaltending, however a new development might cause a dustup in the valley. The Tampa Bay Lightning need to clear cap space because their top three forwards hold $22 million against the cap. Because of the Lightning's success, their players in the development system are not coming along as quickly, and they could not acquire a solid top pick in previous NHL Entry Drafts. In order to shore up their player development issues, Lightning General Manager Jay Feaster has allegedly offered Center Brad Richards to the three teams that occupy the first three picks in the NHL Draft on Friday: Phoenix, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The Coyotes have what the Lightning needs and the Lightning has what the Coyotes possibly need: a skater, a scorer, someone with deep playoff experience, and one who could quarterback the power play. The Coyotes have top prospects with forwards Peter Mueller and Martin Hanzal. However, the need is potentially there for someone with playmaking ability. There is cap room for the Coyotes, but is $7.8 million a year worth it?