The NHL Awards show is Wednesday in Las Vegas.  Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop is a Vezina Trophy Finalist, which goes to the league's top goalie. 

His strong Vezina resume, among many other factors, is creating the case for Bishop to be traded.

Bishop's teammates know his worth.  Any player on the Lightning will tell you, two Vezina Trophy nominations doesn’t make Ben Bishop their team MVP. But it doesn’t hurt.

The 29-year old led the league in goals against average (2.06). He was 2nd in save percentage (.926). He posted a career high six shutouts. 35 wins, seven when the Bolts only scored two goals or less.

During an injury riddled season, arguably no NHL team needed their goalie more than the Bolts needed Ben.

“I don’t know what direction, Steve (Yzerman) and them want to go in, but I am happy here," said Bishop during exit interviews.

While in Vegas (for the NHL Awards) the big bet on Big Ben isn’t about any Trophy, but rather the All-Star’s future with the Bolts. His trade value is high now.

“In my opinion you don’t mess with success," said Bishop.  "Having two of us (Bishop and back-up Andrei Vasilevskiy) is a good thing, but you don’t really know what’s gonna happen.”

Bishop is content contending in Tampa Bay, but several factors may for Steve Yzerman’s hand.

Back up Andrei Vasilevskiy back-up, who could be a start on many other teams, for way cheaper. Bishop’s cap hit of almost six million dollars. Bishop’s age. Other free agent contracts.  Not to mention:

“We may for expansion, or for cap reasons have to make a decision,” said Lightning GM Steve Yzerman.  The cap has been set at a slight increase to $73 million dollars.  According to Spotrac.com that gives the Bolts approximately $21 million in cap space.

The season ended less than a month ago and trade speculation on Bishop has ramped up considerably. A fake Twitter account spread rumors about Bishop and Calgary agreeing to terms Tuesday.

“You don’t really think about that," said Bishop of being traded.  "You just prepare to come back next year and do the same thing. That’s the stuff that is out of your control. Obviously, I love it here and I love this team.”

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but it sounds like Bishop would rather stay in Tampa Bay.