With Steve Yzerman out as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lighting there is speculation the team may have a renewed interest in trying to acquire Erik Karlsson from the Senators.

At one time, the Lightning were considered favorites to land the star defenseman out of Ottawa. But, cap issues and the lack of a third team created logistical problems when trying to figure out the math behind taking on a contract like Karlsson's. Yzerman seemingly gave up on the quest to acquire him in trade but after stepping down to let new GM Julien BriseBois’ take over, there is some buzz the Lightning might revisit the idea.

Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey writes that Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 590 talking about the Ottawa Senators and defenseman Erik Karlsson. The Senators recently released a team-produced video discussing their plans for a rebuild and most assume that means the team is open for business when it comes to trading their players. Friedman said of a Karlsson trade, “I think they would like to do it, but I’ve been told that they simply at this time do not like the offers that they’re getting for him.”

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He goes on to suggest the offers might change and if they do, a trade could be a possibility and Friedman believes that the Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the teams that Karlsson would really like to go to.

Of the issues fitting in an $11 to $12 million extension (Karlsson's expected future contract), Friedman says, “Well, you only have to fill 6.5 for this year.” Then he suggested Karlsson won't sign for 11, 12 in Tampa. If he signs there, he’ll be signing for Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, or Victor Hedman money.

Friedman also added that “Ottawa has got a ton of cap room. If Tampa has to move a guy to do it, Ottawa can do it.” That could be key here as teams that were rumored to be a third party in any trade — such as the New York Rangers — recently acquired Adam McQuaid from Boston, adding salary that makes taking on more difficult.

A new GM might want to make a splash after taking over a team. Adding Karlsson to an already Stanley Cup-contending roster would certainly qualify.

NEXT: WHAT MAX PACIORETTY ADDS TO THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS STANLEY CUP RUNNER-UP ROSTER