Yzerman flexible regarding trades

Column

During a seven-game winless streak to start January, reality began to sink in for Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman. The team's recent winning ways, however, brought about some re-evaluation.

With the trade deadline coming on Feb. 27, Yzerman is prepared to go whichever way is warranted — buyer or seller.

"The plan changes," Yzerman said. "We lose seven in a row and things are looking bleak, then we win five in a row. And now we have three more here at home (including Thursday against Winnipeg). If we can get through that, see how many points we get out of it and see what else happens around the league, you get a better indication" of which way to lean.

The Lightning entered Thursday's game nine points out of a playoff spot, trailing eighth-seeded New Jersey and Southeast Division-leading Florida by the same amount of points. And when it becomes more clear which way Tampa Bay is leaning — as well as many other teams — then casual conversations could turn into deals.

"I think everyone is kind of feeling everyone out right now as far as getting ready for the trade deadline," Yzerman said, "and teams are trying to decided if they are buyers or sellers and what their needs are."

Connolly's education

As the playing time for rookie LW Brett Connolly has dipped to around 5 minutes a game in recent weeks, speculation has started about where he will end up.

Is the 19-year-old better served playing a fourth-line role, watching from the press box for a game or two as a healthy scratch, or being sent back to his junior team to finish the season? Yzerman said the latter is not being considered.

On Thursday, Connolly was a healthy scratch as the coaching staff looks for continued improvement in the defensive zone from the sixth overall pick in the 2010 draft.

Hall ahead of schedule

Injured RW Adam Hall, who tore a muscle in his left arm on Jan. 5, took part in Thursday's morning skate with the team, going through every drill. The original time frame on Hall was eight weeks, but there is optimism he could return during the current homestand.

"I would love to," Hall said. "I was out there skating around with my teammates and you want to get back right away. But you have to make sure you progress through all the steps. The worst thing you can do is get too excited, come back and then do something that sets you back."

Nuts and Bolts

LW Ryan Malone (upper body) has been activated off injured reserve, but he has yet to resume skating and remains day-to-day. Coach Guy Boucher said there is a chance Malone could play by the end of the homestand. … RW Dana Tyrell had reconstructive surgery Thursday for a torn ACL. The surgery, originally planned to take place Tuesday in Tampa, was performed in Pittsburgh.

Erik Erlendsson