Woodward: Potential Return For Ben Bishop Identified

It’s no hidden secret that the Tampa Bay Lightning have been in the market to move a goaltender. General manager Steve Yzerman went on record saying as much just this past summer. With the expansion draft of 2017 looming, Tampa Bay is almost assuredly set to lose a goaltender to the newly-founded Las Vegas franchise. Though there is certain to be a wealth of netminding options available to Las Vegas, its hard to pinpoint a player that would offer a better combination of stability and upside than Tampa Bay’s Ben Bishop or Andrei Vasilevskiy.

While most trade negotiations have moved to the back-burner this month with the regular season kicking off, a potential suitor for one of Tampa Bay’s stud goaltenders may have just emerged.

In the very first period of their season opening contest, the Los Angeles Kings were dealt a devastating blow; losing two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender Jonathan Quick to a serious groin injury. If Quick chooses surgery to repair his ailment, he could be out of commission for upwards of 3-4 months. With their franchise netminder on the shelf, the Kings have turned the reigns over to AHL journeyman Jeff Zatkoff. Through the first week of the season, Zatkoff has struggled to gain traction in his new role, posting an .839 save percentage and 4.38 goals against average in three-consecutive Los Angeles defeats.

As long-time back-up Peter Budaj is currently the only other option on the roster, the Kings may be forced to dip their toe in the trade pool to find a solution. With one of the league’s most experienced rosters and a recent history of Stanley Cup success, it is unlikely that Los Angeles will remain patient and content in what would assuredly be four very difficult months without a capable starter between the pipes. In a tightly competitive Western Conference, losing a goaltender for that length of time can easily torpedo any team’s playoff hopes.

Enter; Ben Bishop. The Lightning starter, currently in the last year of his contract, would represent a one-year rental for Los Angeles. However, with his lengthy resume of playoff success, he would also provide the Kings with the finest possible form of insurance in case Quick is unable to return to form ahead of this spring’s postseason. With that in mind, the next question might be; who would the Lightning ask in return for Bishop, if the Kings were to inquire?

Today we’re going to look at three intriguing talents within the Kings’ organization that would make for ideal additions in any potential trade discussions.

D Kevin Gravel – 6’4”, 200 lbs., Shoots: Left, Age: 24

While Gravel won’t light up the scoresheet or add a great deal of offensive production from his position on defense, his game is both well-rounded and efficient. Stuck behind a glut of talented young blueliners in Los Angeles, Gravel has been relegated to AHL duty to begin the 2016 campaign. If acquired by the similarly-deep Lightning, he would likely remain in the AHL, at least for the time being. As a versatile two-way defender capable of contributing on special teams, he could very easily push for a spot on the main roster in relatively short order. Adding Gravel to the fold would also allow General Manager Steve Yzerman more flexibility at the defense position, should he need to deal away another large contract to create space under the salary cap.

F Adrian Kempe — 6’1″, 187 lbs., Shoots: Left, Age: 20

A converted center and former first round draft choice, Kempe offers the most upside of anyone on this list. Unfortunately for the Lightning, that will likely make him the most difficult to acquire. It is unknown whether the Kings would deal a player with Kempe’s upside for any one-year rental, but Yzerman should at least kick the tires and find out for certain.

Kempe’s best work is done in front of the net and in the corners, where his aggressive style and willingness to engage in the physical aspects of the game shine through. In addition, he has proven to be a potentially dynamic factor on offense and has had success on special teams (six AHL power-play goals in 2015-16). He might not be ready to contribute right away, but Kempe looks to be a five-tool talent capable of one day earning a top-six role.

D Erik Cernak — 6’3″, 203 lbs., Shoots: Right, Age: 19

A second round pick in 2015, Cernak is another technically sound two-way defenseman. Like Gravel, his ceiling is likely that of an above-average top-four defender. Recently returned to his Ontario Hockey League team in Erie, Cernak will be eligible to play in the AHL beginning next season. Cernak is certainly further away from making an NHL impact than either of the other players on this list, but would make for an excellent addition to any team’s prospect cupboard.

Now, there is one major caveat to consider here; Jonathan Quick is one of the five best netminders on the planet. When he returns to full health, his starting position will be there waiting for him. This fact might lead the Kings toward a less expensive trade option than what the Bolts have to offer. Nevertheless,an All-American tandem of Bishop and Quick would represent the most extraordinary goaltending duo the league has seen in years, even if it were to last just a few months. Should the Kings call the Lightning about Bishop, there will be plenty of worthwhile options for Yzerman to inquire about.

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