Report - Leon Draisaitl was nearly traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning

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Josh tupper
September 13, 2022 (2:00 PM)

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Leon Draisaitl wasn't always viewed as the top 10 player that he currently is. It wasn't until after the 2018-2019 season that Leon was finally starting to receive the attention around the league. In the 2018/19 season Leon scored 50 goals and added 55 assists.

At the same time the Tampa Bay Lightning put together one of the best seasons in modern NHL history. The Lightning went 62-16-4 for 128 points. Unfortunately for the Lightning they were swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the playoffs.

Looking for answers and to make a chance at the Draft the Lightning were reportedly looking to trade Nikita Kucherov. According to Jeff Marek of Sportsnet the deal would have better them Leon Draisaitl.

Note from the Jeff Marek show today. He's said numerous times that at the 2019 entry draft in Vancouver Tampa was looking to trade Kucherov. Today was the first time I've heard what the rumored return would have been, Leon Draisaitl.

This move would have completely shifted the course of both franchises and would have moved Kucherov to Connor McDavid's wing. The real questions would be, would the Lightning have been as good if they'd acquired Leon? Would they have won 2 Stanley Cups?

Marek provided no information as to why the deal didn't go through, but this would have surely changed the course of the NHL.