The Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t done after acquiring Brandon Hagel on Friday. Instead, they are continuing to bolster their forward corps. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report that the Bolts have traded for the Ottawa Senators’ Nick Paul. Going the other way is Tampa forward Mathieu Joseph and a 2024 fourth-round pick, per The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch. The Senators are retaining 44.5% of Paul’s $1.35MM cap hit, approximately $601K. Both teams have confirmed the deal.
Even though the Bolts seemed to be out of options after adding Hagel, they manage to flip Joseph for Paul with a negligible impact on their difficult cap situation. With the salary retention, Paul will only cost about $749K, while Joseph was making $737.5K. It leaves under $5K in LTIR space for Tampa, but space all the same. That retention is likely what cost the Lightning their draft pick, which leaves them with just seven picks in the first four rounds over the next three years.
In many ways it may seem like swapping Joseph, a 25-year-old impending RFA with 18 points, for Paul, a 27-year-old impending UFA with 18 points, seems like a downgrade. However, Joseph is arbitration eligible this offseason and was unlikely to return to Tampa Bay anyway. He also has managed just 18 points with the high-flying Lightning, while Paul has done the same with the lowly Senators. Paul also brings a superior defensive game and more experience. His two-way ability garnered attention from around the league, but the Lightning were the lucky ones to land him and Paul will be equally excited to chase a championship and boost his numbers before hitting the open market.
Wow Jospeh’s a solid replacement for Paul
There is no need for trade center on Monday.lol
the goalies may have centre stage Monday if any move
I’ll make a bold prediction: Lehkonen to the Capitals for 2nd and 3rd round picks. They’ve liked him for a long time. He slots in on their 4th/checking line, next to Dowd and Hathaway
Joseph has elite speed, but finishing skills never developed. He is a tough kid and took up for his mates. Did his best with the Bolts, but was not in the LT picture due to cap. Best of luck with the Sens. Good on PK
Bolts and Panthers loading up!
This is the single most lateral move I’ve ever seen from a TB perspective.
Ottawa gets some control so good move for them.
I’d argue that Joseph got 18 points buried on the Lightning while Paul got a few extended stays in the top six and that they are about as similar as players can get really.
I do notice a lot of the potential pieces Hextall could be in on have moved. Don’t revert to potted plant mode now…
Don’t get this for Tampa. I don’t think this is an upgrade at all.
Paul and Hagel now join Colton as a third line with grit, scoring and defense. Look forward to see them against Canes.
It’s no blockbuster but it’s a pretty damn good “hockey trade”. Good move for both teams. Rare to see Dorion get equal value or better back via trade.
I agree. Good for both teams. Joseph wasn’t staying with us after this season anyways and Paul can step in and score at the same pace while bringing a better defensive game, eerily similar to when we got Goodrow & Coleman. Hagel & Paul are gonna prove big additions down the stretch.