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Steve Yzerman: Lightning would have to do ‘other things’ if John Tavares comes

 
Published June 28, 2018|Updated June 29, 2018

BRANDON — Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman went to Los Angeles with coach Jon Cooper on Wednesday to woo Islanders center John Tavares, who can be a free agent Sunday, making a case to add a major piece to the NHL's top-scoring offense last season.

"We went out and met with him," Yzerman said Thursday at the Lightning's development camp.

If Tavares, 27, goes to free agency, he would perhaps be the most coveted available player. He had 37 goals and 47 assists for the Islanders last season.

Six teams are in contention for Tavares: along with the Lightning, the Islanders, Maple Leafs, Sharks, Stars and Bruins. Few are in a stronger position to lure him than the Lightning, which has reached the conference final three times in the past four years. Fitting him under the salary cap would require moves to create room.

"Obviously, if John comes here, then we would have to do some other things," Yzerman said, noting that the Lightning has several options as it seeks to upgrade during free agency.

Tavares is expected to draw as much as $11 million a year, which is considerably more than the Lightning is paying its most established team leaders, including Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman.

Bigger Red

Alex Green wasn't drafted the first two years he was eligible, and though he had hoped to be drafted Saturday in his final shot, the defenseman was pleasantly surprised to go as high as he did, to the Lightning in the fourth round.

"I didn't really expect too much, and obviously when it happened, it was a surreal feeling," said Green, taking part in development camp this week. "I thought there was a chance I'd go to the Lightning in a later round, but I definitely didn't expect to go as early as I did."

Green, who turned 20 last week, helped himself with a solid freshman year at Cornell, but if anything, he said playing less hockey might have indirectly helped his draft stock. In the previous two seasons, he played 40 and 43 games in the USHL, the top U.S.-based junior league. Last year, he played 29 at Cornell, with the lighter season freeing him up to spend more time bulking up.

"The biggest thing was just playing less games. It gave me a chance to develop in the weight room. I'm not the biggest guy," Green said.

Listed at 6 feet 2, he said that a year ago he weighed about 170-175 pounds, but after a year at Cornell, he's at 190. He also carries the confidence the comes with the added strength.

Green said his plan is to return to Cornell next season, continuing to develop on the ice and physically.

"I can only add more good weight, so I think a couple more years of college will definitely benefit my game," he said. "Where my game is at right now, I don't think I'm ready to make the jump to the pros."

Bolts bits

Former Lightning assistant coach Brad Lauer was hired as coach of the junior Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western League. Lauer, 51, replaces Steve Hamilton, who was fired last month. Lauer and the Lightning mutually agreed to part ways after last season.

Times staff writer Meagan Bens contributed to this report. Information from Times wires was used in this report.  Contact Greg Auman at gauman@tampabay.com and (813) 310-2690. Follow @gregauman.