Tarnasky, Wanvig signed

  The Lightning has re-signed center Nick Tarnasky and right wing Kyle Wanvig, Executive Vice President and General Manager Jay Feaster announced. Tarnasky signed a three-year, $1.575-million deal that will pay $500,000, $525,000 and $550,000. Wanvig signed a one-year, two-way contract.

Tarnasky, a 6-foot-2, 233-pound native of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, played his first full season with the Lightning in 2006-07.  He appeared in 77 games and scored five goals (one game-winner) while recording nine points.  He registered the first multi-point game of his career with a goal and an assist on March 10 at Calgary and scored on his first career shootout attempt to win the game March 1 at Washington.  He made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut in the 2007 Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals and played in six games.

Wanvig, acquired February 1 in a trade with Atlanta, appeared in four games with the Lightning last season. A 6-2, 210-pound native of Calgary, Alberta, Wanvig skated in 23 games with Springfield of the AHL after being acquired, recording 11 goals and seven assists. He started the season with Chicago of the AHL, tallying 10 goals and 21 points in 26 games.

“Nick Tarnasky has all the makings of a true dominant power forward in the NHL,” Feaster said. “He has size, strength, solid skating ability, willingness to commit himself to the defensive side of the game and an under-developed ability to finish that even he is just starting to harness and explore. We believe that as he continues to become more comfortable and confident in his role he will continue to be a solid checker as well as a consistent goal scorer who stands up for himself and his teammates. We are very pleased to have him under contract for the next three seasons and we look forward to bigger and better things from him beginning this season.

“Kyle Wanvig is a pure goal scorer, as he consistently has demonstrated at the AHL level and, as we believe, he has the ability to demonstrate at the NHL level,” Feaster continued. “It is difficult for a player to break in with our club when he hasn't had a training camp with us, and clearly that impacted Kyle following the trade last season. With the chance to get to know our organization and our system, as well as the opportunity to get himself in the best physical shape of his career this summer, we expect Kyle to come to camp looking to earn a spot on our roster.”

In two seasons with the Lightning Tarnasky has played in 89 career games.  He played 12 games and recorded his first career point, an assist, in 2005-06.  Before joining Tampa Bay he played 148 games with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.  He scored 21 goals and had 40 points in his first two AHL seasons.

Tarnasky exploded offensively in 2003-04 while in his second season with Lethbridge of the WHL, setting career highs in goals, assists, and points.  His 26 goals that season surpassed his previous best of nine and his 49 points passed his previous best of 29. Tarnasky led the Hurricanes in goals and was tied for the team in lead in points.  Tarnasky played four seasons in the WHL, one and a half with Lethbridge, one with Vancouver, another with Prince Albert, and half a season with Kelowna. Tarnaksy was selected by the Lightning in the ninth round, 287th overall, at the 2003 Entry Draft.

Wanvig, 26, has played in 68 career NHL games with the Lightning and the Minnesota Wild, scoring five goals with nine assists, including one power-play goal.  His best season came in 2005-06 when he appeared in 51 games with the Wild and scored four goals with 12 points. Entering the 2006-07 season he had played in 239 career AHL games and scored 57 goals with 113 points, all with the Houston Aeros.  He also appeared in 37 playoff games with the Aeros and scored seven goals and recorded 15 points including four game-winning goals.  He also played on Houston with Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist when the netminder was named Calder Cup MVP and won the AHL Championship. 

Wanvig spent his junior career with Edmonton, Kootenay and Red Deer of the Western Hockey League, appearing in 266 games and scoring 107 goals while registering 205 points.  He was also named the 2001 Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy recipient as the most valuable player of the Memorial Cup.  He was selected by the Boston Bruins in the third round, 89th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and was re-drafted by Minnesota in the second round, 36th overall, at the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. 

Comments

[Tim A]

Nick Tarnasky is a fine example of what HOCKEY should be...physical, high energy, tough and played with the type of attitude that Nick brings with him every time he hits the ice. He had more bright spots last year than any other young player we had on the team. As far as a scorer, who the heck cares, as long as you have a quality guy like this who can protect his team mates to put in their goals. I predict that Tarnasky will work his way to a permanent fixture in the line up and will be one of our most loved and reliable players that we will have. He will always be an enjoyment to watch as long as he keeps his great attitude and toughness. I hope that Nick has a long career with the Bolts and stays healthy like he has so far for a long long time. Whenever this guy made a play last season it always seemed to be a timely or great one. This was a good signing because Nick is so young. Nick has alot of room for improvement and he's only going to get better and better.

[SarasotaBill]

Glad to see them both aboard. Tarns is an energy guy who brings it every game. Not just his effort, he brings a physical presence this team has lacked. To say he "has all the makings" of a power forward is not a stretch at all. If JF had said, "top 6" somewhere in there, I'd have to agree that he was chirping a little. Anything can happen but Tarns hasn't been much of a scorer at anytime in his career but that means nothing. This kids a hockey player. Several players just like him have had 10 to 12 year careers just by giving what skills they have. This kid has no fear. Doesn't matter if he did. He wouldn't show it. He's a "team first" guy. A policeman when need be. And...he can offer up the occasional goal. Every team in the league needs a guy or 2 like this. I'm pleased to see he's here for 3 years!! I doubt he will ever be a top 6 guy but so what. He's got a place in this league and I'm glad it's here.

Wanvig? A "pure goal scorer?" I have a little problem with that. The little I saw of him was a a guy with some pretty good speed. That is of course, if he didn't have to change direction soon. Very strong on his skates but you won't see him doing any double axles anytime soon. Kind of a Guerin type. Great speed north and south but neither will be confused with a truly fluid skater.

Don't get me wrong, I liked what I saw. Probably more than anyone here. Energy, north south speed, has a physical nature to his game, and pretty good hands. He also has an uncoachable ability. Vision. Seems to me that he has great hockey sense, like Tarns, and some skills. Time will tell what all they have.

I have to be careful here so everyone stay with me for a minute.

When St Louis showed up here, he was what? 25? 26? What kind of NHL resume did he have? It was unimpressive to say the least. And how bout Modin? Somewhat stronger based on a great shot but did you see him shy away from every corner in his first year or 2 here? Maybe I was the only one who saw that. I doubt it, but maybe.

What I'm trying to say is that there are only so many Crosbys around. Development takes time you often don't know what you have for several years down the line. I'm not suggesting at all that these 2 will have that kind of success. But Joe, don't poo poo what might be considered insignificant signings. Tarns belongs in this league, 3rd or 4th liner as he may be at this point, he's a gamer.

Did anyone think JF was going to come out and say " We signed a couple of losers today but we need to sign some of them to fill out this team?" He's gonna talk up the guys a bit. Maybe more than we might. A couple of guys were signed who own a lot of what people call "potential." Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Tarns will be fine. Wanvig? he's on a 2 way deal so what does it really matter? Let the boys just play.

[Joe]

Oh...er...thanks Satch, I needed that. We'll have it your way then: Jay is right when he suggests that Nick has the makings of a "true dominant power forward" (maybe like Cam Neely, Todd Bertuzzi, or maybe FREDDY MODIN*). The heretofore unaccomplished Kyle Wanvig is 26 years old and "IS a pure natural scorer" says Feaster.

If you buy that nonsense, Mr. Satch, you are to be taken as seriously as the GM's quotes.

* Satch please reread Jay Feaster's earlier comments about the product of the Modin trade: Mr. Marc Denis.

[Another Joe]

Tarnasky has alot of upside. I think he could be put on the top two lines once in a while to add the variable of a little toughness with our speed. And Tarns isnt slow. If he plays with the toughness he did last year and we get 10-15 goals from him thats a steal at 500,000 a year.

I like our resignings so far. I think Sarich will be gone. He will get a big offer in free agency. Im guessing he will get 3.5-4.5 million per year offer. We cant afford that. Perrin and Obrien will probably be back with similiar salary as Tarns. Pratt also.

[Mike13]

I'm happy about the signing of Nick Tarnasky. I thought he did a very nice job of replacing that Evgeni Artukhin role.

Not sure about Wanvig though. I understand that JF's comments were (hoepfully) forward-looking, but I think that the jury is still out on the hole "Pure goal scorer" thing. I guess we can just hope that he's right.

Any news on Perrin, Sarich, O'Brien, or Pratt?

[Satch]

Wow Joe, big words for such a simple mind. JF was talking about what these guys may or may not become. Not what they are today.

Now go give yourself a swirly. Here....I'll flush for you.

[Randy]

Nick is only 22 years old. With a little more work and time, Nick will be scoring 15+ goals in a season. Plus, for only 500,000-550,000 a season, the Lightning will have a solid 3rd line forward (maybe even 2nd line in the 3rd year) for the price of a 4th line player.

Joe - get over yourself

[Joe]

I am sorry to indicate that Nick does NOT "have the makings of a true dominant power forward" and Kyle Wanvig is NOT "pure goal scorer." Mr. Feaster's comments suggest that he is either a poor judge of talent, dillusional, or full of excremental waste. In any case, his hype insults our intelligence. He effuses with these specious boasts, and the St. Petesburg Times makes us laugh when it prints them.

There being no greater historical example of the "Peter Principle" than the shabby performance of the Lightning GM, I suggest that the reference of "Feaster Principle" be reserved for those who manage to climb to two or more tiers above their level of competency.

[Bolts Canucks Fan]

The signings are great for the team, since they are both young guys who can really develop in the Lightning system. One great thing about this is that both guys played juniors in the Western Hockey League. That league does an amazing job in preparing young players for that physical, two-way play that translates well in the NHL. World Champs Ducks Scott Niedermeyer, Getzlaf, and Moen are three graduates from the WHL. I'm getting off the subject, but like the players mentioned above, Wanvig and Tarnasky can both develop into great scoring-physical players that are needed in today's NHL. Look at the Anaheim formula by using four lines of checkers that crash the net and can score. Anaheim also won the Cup because of great goaltending and defense, but what sticks out for me was how persistent and physical their four lines of hockey played. That's my take on it and I'm happy for the signings...

Sarasota Bill, thanks so much for answering my question on what determines a player to play left or right wing. I'm going to print it and keep it as a reference tool. I suggest all the Bolts bloggers go to the subject matter below, the Game 3 entry, and read this most in depth answer. It will really help your knowledge of the sport. I really liked the Dan Boyle analysis and I also have seen him play a bit out of position when fielding the puck, due to him playing the technically incorrect side of the ice. I need to read it again and do apologize for the lateness of this reply. My PC crashed over the weekend, so will have to resort to internet cafes and the public library to blog. Things could be worse. I could be Phil in last night's Sopranos. What a great show! It will be dearly missed...

That's it for now. Can't wait for the NHL draft. I hope we get a physical left wing or a puck moving defenseman. Keep cool in the Florida sun.

Bolts Canucks Fan

[Jared]

hell yea, great move tarnasky is the man and wanvig looked like a great forechecker. Who needs arty when we have these two guys!