Lightning signs Ouellet
The Lightning signed right wing Michel Oulette to a two-year deal worth $2.5-million. The contract will pay $1.2-million next season and $1.3-million in 2008-09. Ouellet, 25, is expected to get a chance to play on the second line with Brad Richards. He had 19 goals and 47 points last season for the Penguins. We'll have more later.
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Yes, someone who is is a legitimate contender for a second line position.
We should see Brad come back with a flurry if this guy Oulette performs at the same level as last year, hopefully better.
Posted by: WineGuy | July 01, 2007 at 06:05 PM
Yes, what a great choice by Feaster. Oulette will fit in well. We seemed to be acquiring more and more guys from the Monteal/Quebec area every year!
Posted by: Nan | July 01, 2007 at 06:05 PM
Nice job, JF.
Defence, please.....
Ranger, and someone else that is serious about their craft.
Go Bolts!
Posted by: F.T.B.S. | July 01, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Welcome Michel......Now score some goals darnit!!!
The price was right. The kid seems to have the right stuff. Boy do I hope this works.
FTSB, if you and I picked up on the Rimouski connection, I have to think someone in the Lightning's front office did too. Getting a couple of calls from alums of that stature can go a long way. It may be the NHL but recruiting still has it's place.
OK, the kids here!!
Next????
Posted by: SarasotaBill | July 01, 2007 at 06:15 PM
Perrin signed with Atlanta. 2 yr, 1.5M
Posted by: wineguy | July 01, 2007 at 06:43 PM
Great signing. Ouellet and Richards have already played together in Rimouski. Now the Lightning need to zero in on blueline toughness. This group of forwards are clearly better than last years!
Posted by: Rob | July 01, 2007 at 06:43 PM
Another piece of the puzzle has likely been found. The more that the Bolt's find strong contributors to lines three and four, the more pressure is removed form the top line. Things are shaping up. Welcome Michel Ouellet!
I remain concerned about the situation in goal: Fernandez gets grabbed by Boston; Toskala is headed for Leaftown; and, the Panthers pounced on Valkoun. Meanwhile it is announced that Marc Denis is returning to the Lightning. I think the Bolts need help in the crease as much or more than any of these teams. Get on the stick Jay!
What with Sarich now officially lost to the Lightning (and smart money now betting that seasoned veteran Nelson Pratt will be signed by the Flames as well), one is reminded that there are currently glaring deficiencies on the blueline. One can be reasonably sure, that this particular problem will gain the attention it deserves before summer's end.
Posted by: Joe | July 01, 2007 at 06:55 PM
What I like about this guy is his age and he probably will come to town with something to prove. If he can get 20-25 goals then he is a steal. Go Bolts!!!
Posted by: Another Joe | July 01, 2007 at 07:51 PM
If he is the 2nd line winger for Richards, he is going to need to score at least 25 goals to be a suitable winger for Richards. Let's hope he can do it, it would solve a huge problem. Probably need to add a 5th or 6th defenseman, and we'll need to really hope the goalie situation resolves itself.
Posted by: Steve | July 01, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Someone who can score on the power play... imagine that. Lets just hope he can finish better than Perrin and we will have ourselves a 2nd line.
I like Jay Feaster's move here, its good, its smart, its quality.
Posted by: Tim A | July 02, 2007 at 08:34 AM