Tampa Bay Lightning emerging as a potential landing spot for two offensive weapons

The 2025 NHL draft begins Friday. With that day fast approaching, trade rumors are beginning to leak and be talked about and over the last couple days, the Tampa Bay Lightning have begun to emerge as a potential trade candidate for two offensive weapons: Edmonton Oilers center, Connor McDavid; and Buffalo Sabres right wing, JJ Peterka.

Connor McDavid, C

McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) began to be arise is conversations on Friday when Mike Grinnell of the Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast began discussing the possibility of a trade for McDavid. Similar to why other potential trade candidates have been discussed, McDavid is widely known as one of the best hockey players in the world for his playmaking ability, offensive strength, his speed, agility and the way he can accelerate on the ice. After the Lightning made an early exit out of the Stanley Cup playoffs, its no rumor or secret that the Lightning are looking to improve their offense and make sure they don’t see another early exit and McDavid could be someone who helps them extend their season. He is one of the leading scorers in the NHL and is a true weapon on the ice.

In 2024-25, McDavid scored 26 goals, had 74 assists, recorded 100 points, and earned a +20 through 22:02 on the ice in 67 games played.

The 28-year old from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada appeared in 22 playoff games this season to help lead the oilers went all the way to Stanley Cup finals. During the Oilers playoff run, he was credited with seven goals, 26 assists, recorded 33 points, and earned a +3 rating.

JJ Peterka, RW

Peterka (Buffalo Sabres) was brought up in discussion by NHL insider Frank Seravelli in a June 20 episode of The Daily Faceoff. 

Peterka is another strong offensive weapon that could improve the Lightning’s scoring in 2025-26. He’s another leading scorer. In 2024-25, he scored a career-high 27 goals, had 41 assists, was credited with 68 points, and earned a +1 rating through 18:11 on the ice in 77 games played. He’s known for his offensive upside, being a strong two-way player, and the way he can shoot and defend the home end of the ice well too.

Similar to McDavid and other players the Lightning are being associated with, Peterka has the ability to make plays happen. The Lightning are looking to improve their scoring chances ahead of the 2025-26 season. That’s the common denominator regarding all the players the Lightning are being linked to.

With the draft coming up next weekend and free agency opening July 1st, it will be likely that trade talks will continue to ramp up and players will begin signing soon.