Potential Trade Target Emerges for Tampa Bay Lightning Amidst Penguins Fire Sale
Noel Acciari is on the trading block according to Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas and the Tampa Bay Lightning could be among teams interested in him.
Acciari has been in the news recently, but no because of trade rumors. Earlier this month, he made a reverse hit on Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky that got the attention of many around the league. In fact, several former NHL players made statements condemning the hit.
Much to the chagrin of most fans though, the NHL did nothing about it, refusing to hand a suspension or even a fine to Acciari for the play. Life goes on. Now he is back in the headlines as the Penguins are reportedly preparing to trade many players this season.
Acciari very well could be among those that get traded. The 32-year-old is still a legitimate player who can contribute on the PK and in his own zone in general, as well as chip in the odd goal here and there. He is also a center, which is a position most teams look for at the trade deadline.
So what teams might be interested in his services? One team that stands out as a good fit is the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning are currently tied for 4th in the Atlantic Division with an 8-6-1 record through 15 games.
It appears as though their championship window is closing given an aging core, which could force Julien Brisebois' hand. Acciari is a gritty defensive-minded forward which is often the exact type of player the Lightning GM looks for at the trade deadline.
Acciari has 2 goals and 5 points so far this season. In 457 career games he has 65 goals and 112 points. He has played for five different NHL clubs already in his career and could be poised to add to that list this season.
