What would you do?

Lightning GM Jay Feaster said he is going to look for goalie help either through trade or free agency during the summer. It was the first time he has said that publicly. Feaster said he is not giving up on the season, but regardless of whether the team hauls itself in to the playoffs, it doesn't change the fact that the team needs goaltending help.

If it is obvious by the Feb. 26 trade deadline, the team will not make the playoffs, Feaster likely will try to get what he can for the potential unrestricteds on the roster rather than lose them during the summer without compensation. That could include trading any of the following: Dan Boyle, Johan Holmqvist, Chris Gratton, Jan Hlavac and Vinny Prospal.

So, the question is, what would you do? What is your scenario? Does the Lightning trade Boyle at the deadline and try to re-sign him as a free agent? Does it trade one of the Big 3 over the summer to clear payroll for a goalie? Does it fire the coach?

Tell me what you think.

As for tonight, Karri Ramo starts in goal.   

Comments

[Rudy]

If you really want know what anybody ,who is on this blog would do, just look to post: Is a goalie worth one of the Big 3?. It’s got 101 comments, and just picks whatever you want. But majority don’t like trade our best for new disappointment. Seriously, who you think will trade you good goalie before playoff?
I think better option is fire Manager, and Coach together.
Just let you know, if you trade V4, they- fans will lynch you. That is a fact. And Stadium will be empty

If I was the GM I trade Richards for one center and one winger, younger and with potencial, and trade boyle for a No. 1 Goalie like Huet and some prospects...

[leo]

That old standby, the place will empty out, the fans will revolt...bla-bla-bla.
New goalie won't make a difference?
Then why is Jay listening to Leo? Thought the problem was on defense...
The place will empty out if we trade V4 for Theo, I'll give you that.
But after seeing what Boston did (who are making due and are in the playoffs so far...) will Jay be that stupid? I doubt it. (Actually,...I DON'T doubt it. Listen to anybody EXCEPT your pro-scouts, Jay!)
Oilers got on without Wayne. MTL (sorry) got on without Lafleur...
I'm not saying, Do It. I'm saying we should look at EVERY option.
Because there ARE deals (rarely,granted) that you CAN'T refuse.
So if L.A. offers Nagy, Johnson and Bernier for Vinny...I admit, I'd think it over a sec before just arbitrarily slamming the receiver down while shouting, No,no,no! Vinny, mine,mine,mine! Don't call here no more; you're bad!
So this year, no playoffs for us. And the status quo means the same thing next year. You won't revolt, Rudy? And when V4 WALKS AWAY? You won't revolt?
What if we trade him and MAKE THE PLAYOFFS NEXT YEAR? Will you revolt? You will? Well, what do you want? Vinny? Or the Lightning?
Again, I'm not saying, Do It. But TOO MUCH traditionalism leads to STAGNATION. Yes or no, Rudy? And where are we now? Beyond stagnation: RECESSION. But hey, we got Vinny, right? The familiar warm blankie, right? Maybe it's time for momma to slap it away and tell us to GROW UP.
Get us a GOALIE, Jay, ok?
THEN, ajax, I'll start griping about the defense, I promise.
P.

I'd ban all the bandwagon fans who show up in non-usual snowbird jerseys (Detroit and Buffalo are somewhat expected but why do I hear raucous cheers for Vancouver and Calgary?).

Then again, if you banned the bandwagoners, you would have about 2,000 fans per game.

[Rudy]

Do you rely thing he will get some god goalie for Hlavac and Johan Holmqvist ? It will be to same story like was with Denis. We will lose good players for some 38 years old guy. Don’t kid yourself, you list already all trades what he made lately. So learn from that. Who going to be backup if we trade Johan Holmqvist ? IF Ramo will be sitting on bench, he will lose what he get now. He has to play.
We score 3 goals on Luongo now, should he pull him out? Is he inconsistent? Maybe they should trade him to us.

4 goals by now

[shane]

mohawks, and lots of them!!!

[Donnelly]

Good game tonight. They always look better when you win, but man it is nice to see the boys play with some heart and some grit. Does Boyle being back make that much of a difference? Have they actually heard (read) what people have been posting here? Did the leadership of the team finally realize that finesse with no toughness doesn't make for very good hockey? Who knows. It's just nice to see a solid game out of the Lightning.
Hope Saturday against the Panthers is as good since I'll be at that one.

[Donnelly]

Shane- love the mohawks idea.

[ajax]

Some grit? Who were those guys tonight? Obvious question?, Did they only play that way because Vancouver came out flying at them? If they played like this every night we would be on top of our division and I would need something else to do with my spare time. Blog would be empty. I sure hope Torts was giving out huge pats on the back with a speech that told each and everyone of them, this is the kind of effort we need every single game.
Leo, if you are using quotes and direction from Jay to validate your points, I believe you just lost all credibility. He is the king of deflection. If Jay says it so, it usually ain't. I have seen announcer/analyst after announcer on all of the hockey channels talk about how absolutely horrible these D are. Feaster is just deflecting his own short comings at the expense of blaming the goalie again. Him and Torts say we need to battle and then go public that it is "all" the goalies fault. They give their team a built in excuse to quit everytime a cheap goal goes in. If Jay Feaster told me it was beautiful out I would go buy an umbrella.

[Lisa]

Huet is an UFA this summer. Maybe he will re-sign with Montreal, but then again, maybe he will test free agency because he sees the amazing Price knocking on the door.

If he is available, try to sign him. If not, I honestly don't see any top tier #1 goalies being available unless we trade Vinny. And anyone that has read my posts has seen what I think about that idea (no way!).

Turco has never been able to go the distance, and I don't like the Marty for Marty Turco rumors. If ownership does not let us spend more money, we are handicapped because of the Richard huge contract. (Vinny is worth what he is paid, and Marty's contract is actually reasonable for what we get from him). The biggest mistake I have seen ownership make (maybe even bigger than the Denis debacle) is not giving a draft pick for Bryzgalov.

[leo]

All credibilty? You mean I had some?
Well aj,
Do YOU think that whatever Jay will do (buy, sell, trade) will be stupid? No matter what it is? Ouch.
I'm giving him SOME credit or else we would have heard rumblings of his ABSOLUTE incompetence around the league, no? Would he have a hockeynews blog; would they give a forum to a nincompoop?
Considering all the wild ideas WE'VE shot out, I refuse to believe he hasn't given this SOME thought and, dare I say it, jotted a few ideas down.
Don't despair; we're not moving to Vegas just yet.
P.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

First of all my apologies for saying that the Bolts were going to stink tonight. They actually looked like a entertaining hockey team for a change.

Second of all I wouldn't trust Jay Feaster making another trade....period. Bottom line is, he doesn't know what he is doing and if you want to improve this team you start by scrapping the worst GM in the game. Brian bradley seems like he has alot of time on his hands and knows the game real well. Give him a shot at the GM...couldn't be any worse than the lazy hornswoggler you got now.

Third. as far as a goalie, Rudy (who can't articulate all that well but gets his point across just fine) is right. Who is going to trade you a goalie this time of season unless you go after someone with problems. Ray Emery has lots of problems, try him with a swop for a 5th or 6th round pick and Holmer. You might get a steal or you might not do any better than what we have now. As far as the big four. I would use them all as trade bait except V4. I would actually try to rebuild a team around him like Washington is trying to do with Ovechkin and what Pittsburg is doing with Crosby. If this is not feasable due to the incompetence of Jay Feaster, then sell vinny now and get what you can for him. One of those Canadian teams would mortgage the farm to aquire him. As much as I would hate to see him go, it might be the best thing for us...that is as long as Jay Feaster is not GM.

Fourth, We need draft picks and lots of them, because the crap we're fielding in Norfolk and Mississipi ain't worth the ink the tickets are printed on. These teams are also products of the neglect that the Fester regime has managed.

Fifth, At some point you have to rebuild. There is no more guess work about it, either rebuild or suck and suck for a long long time. There is no more "we are only 1 or 2 pieces of the puzzle from winning it all" anymore. This team is struggling to find an identity and no one has stepped up to take charge. There aren't any veterans to rely on and no more leadership to fall back on when adversity strikes. They are going to have to find a way to bring in a savy veteran that can take charge.

Last but not least, This awful coaching staff must improve. Either through firing everyone, a selected one or a couple. Personally I'd like to see them all go but the equipment guys.

[Casper]

Here's what I won't do, DC; re-type everything vented from my spleen ever since I refused to buy that bill of goods last summer.

Can you believe those Long Island dolts? Wang pulls the backup goalie and makes him the GM, inserts Ted Nolan behind the bench and the Lightning can't even stand up to get a clear view of their caboose!!!

Karma, we must have laughed the loudest over that Garth Snow maneuver, and DiPietro's insane deal; we sure laugh the least now.

All. they. had. to. do. was. shoot. Milbury. out. of. a. cannon.

[bear]

Blow it up for picks/prospects and bring back someone that knows talent to rebuild.

There is no magic bridge. Thats the hell of it all.

[Lisa]

Good to see Richards play a good game. The whole team put in the effort and it was a very entertaining game.

I don't think we need to blow up the whole thing. The biggest problem is Richards contract when you consider what we get and don't get from him.

We need a goalie, another veteran defenseman to help teach the younger D and one more scoring winger for Richards. That is if we keep the "core" of the team together.

I think we have seen the importance of Boyle to the team. I will be interested in seeing if we will be able to keep him. Even if he is traded before the deadline, there is still hope that he would return and negotiate a deal (basically just be a rental). We shall see. A lot depends on whether we get new ownership, what the internal budget will be, and who will be the coach and GM once we do get new ownership. Many changes and a lot of uncertainty.

[Foghat Legman]

Here's a useful quote for which I shall always remember Jay Feaster:
"Any man whose errors take ten years to correct is quite a man."
-J. Robert Oppenheimer

The groin kick of all this is, a year from now we will still be grousing about Brad Richards' non-productivity; and all we gave up to retain him.

[olin]

I just got home...best game I've seen them play in quite awhile. Maybe it was the GULD MODO 2007 Hockey poster I put on the glass for warmup's for the 5 MODO Canuck's guy's might have distracted them off their game...never know.
First you should never trade ANY of the CORE 4- you keep both Johan and Kari-you keep OB&Ranger on D-you keep Ward,Gratton&Wapper Wah Everyone else goes some how one way or another-you sign both V4 and DB to long term. You inject BR with some OB-V4 emotion-venom(no more Lady Byng trophy's). You get these guy's to start hitting via Wapper Wah instruction. You save your draft pick's-you do not trade them or give them up in any way.You find 4 new defensman-2 stay at homer's and 2 puck mover's all who aren't afraid to hit and play the body hard. No pussycat's.You bring back Evgeny Arthukin.You spend the full cap. You release the General manager of his dutie's-you find a Pat Quinn type experianced GM. You let him re-work the scouting and Norfolk management. Last but not least, you bring in Dave Andreychuk as Interim Coach, bring back Craig Ramsey, and hire Larry Robinson as assistant coach. Coach Torterella/Sullivan you demote to Norfolk and let them teach the AHL'ers. You want visiting team's dread to step on the ice at our forum...
That's what I'd like to see done if I were owner....and you would fill the forum nitely with a new refreshed/relieved lightning fan base.
That's my 2 cent's worth DC.

[Voice of the Turtle]

Judge Jay Feaster not by his words but by his actions (or the lack thereof). It is absolutely foolhardy to start talking about things one intends to do in the summer - well before the February NHL the trade deadline is reached. Making such outrageous statements would seem to likely demoralize the goaltenders currently onboard. Players who speculate about their status and hear the scuttlebut about trades are bound to be meaningfully distracted. Perhaps this pathetically limp-willed GM feels gloriously empowered by issuing such thoughtless comments.

Jay ought to "shut his yap." Should the Lightning sale go through, most of us would be very surprised if he'd be around to do anything this summer besides picking up his buy-out check.

Apparently, Feaster feels confident that he can solve the goalie problem? That can only be a manifestation of his stupidity, his ignorance, or both. How could anyone have confidence in his decision making after watching his abject failures over the last two years.

[Hockey Chic]

Can we say hell yes. The rosies are sparking baby. I loved the fact that the Bolts came out screaming with the first fight being the bruiser Vinny.

Then one right after the other and Grats way to have MSL back that was a cheap shot at the bench. Andre I had the bail money ready baby just in case. I am not sure what was in the coolaide but it needs to stay there.

That is the team I know and love. Way to play keeping it simple, and shoot and score. Playing with heart and grit and a huge amount of determination.

As far the Goalie thing I think Jay starts to feel the heat and wamo or Ramo in this case he throws the age old point your fingers at someone question about the goalie.

Hey I will let the experts, Ajax, Leo,Lisa, Casper to name a few talk about the draft picks and what we should and should not do to go forward.

I guess my role in all this is to stand by the team and root them on from the rafters as I did last night. It is a good thing I can type cause the voice is a little weak today.

Now lets keep up the MO as the chic will not be in the house on Saturday playing hockey all weekend in Brandon.

So lets get the windex out and shine those bad boys up.

Shane would love to see the Mohawks on all the guys including Torts, Sully and Featser. woo hooo

Go Bolts with shiney rosies in hand. Lets get er done on saturday night.

[Mullet]

My feeling is a change is needed in Tampa, and it's not the goalies. Get rid of that worthless GM and head coach, put Sully up to head coach, get some D, and watch then shine. We have some awsome goalies, but they need some strong support from the D. Homer is one of those goalies that seems to have hot and cold streaks, but if you really look, you can see the D giving up on him during his cold.
Whoever buys this tem needs to get it done now, and make the correct changes before this tem really goes down the crapper.

I also agree with the comments about those stupid snowbird fans. This is sure a unique thing about Florida. All those arrogant idiots who call their home the north, but come down here in the winter, thinking they can run the show. How can a team play on home ice knowing there are many "local" fans that turn on them? YOu will not find this in any barn up north. Go to MSG with a Tampa jersey on and see what happens. Doing the same in Boston will get you killed. Why is it tolorated in this barn? I say the TRUE Tampa fans start supporting their team, regardless of who they rooted for before. If you are a Vancouver fan, then maybe you should reevaluate yourself prior to a home game. Root for them if you will, but don't drag down your "team when your favorite is not in town" Lightning.

[Casper]

More than a victory last pm it is nice to awaken to the last three posts borne of cogent thought.

I could do a heck of a lot worse than having the Chic as a spiritual flashlight. Way to go, gal.

The Turtle got a Gabby Johnson "Rabberrin!" out of me, and Olin re-generated a condensation of old, old posts from his and a few echo's of the past bloggers (wink, wink) going back to last year and the year before that.
That's a long time to hang on without chemotherapy.

Aye, it's going to be a foyn Friday.

[Frank]

What would I do? We need consistency in goal, but who? It's clear to me that Feaster and his crew do not have what it takes to evaluate talent and negotiate a trade. We have been taken advantage of way to much over the last few years, from Denis to Gratton (2nd rounder?) to Shane O'Brien (first rounder?), despite what we think, do we really feel good decisions will be made over the next few months? Even getting draft picks, do we think these guys will put them to good use given the condition of the minors?

[Bill Berg]

Hockey 101, just like football and baseball, you start up the middle, Goal, Defence, Centers, All MUST BE VERY GOOD TO WIN THE CUP AGAIN!! Bolts do not have very good gaoltending, Defence is in learning process and will be good with some more playing time, Centers are only OK after VL, They must do what they have to do WHEN they are out of playoffs for sure and not before unless they get a DEAL that the other TEAM is out of their minds! Longer they wait better off unless DEALS start to come down! GO BOLTS, HANG IN!!

[GP]

Finally a terrific TEAM effort. I have to say that was the most enjoyable game I have been at all year.
However, one win does not vindicate the trend of disappointing performances and a need to rebuild.

I have two comments about the game last night.

1. I am so sick of Ryan Kesler throwing his head back as soon as someone comes near him. He wears his helmet so loose that he draws penalties just by throwing his head back. It looks like he is shot everytime someone jolts him a little. I watched him embellish at least two calls last night. He even embellished a cross check to the throat from Jesse Boulerice earlier this season. It says something when two of his Ohio State teammates dislike the guy. (RJ Umberger - Flyers & Dave Steckel - Caps)

2. Did anyone else enjoy watching Brad Richards get slammed by Matt Cooke? I was so hoping he would get up and show some emotion but he was his same ol wuss self. He did have a good game though.

3. Do we root for this team or do we root against this team because it really needs an overhaul. If they get close to a playoff spot, Feaster will make some other bonehead trades trading away high draft picks for AHL caliber players.

[Lampshade]

UGGGGGGG.

Goalie, goalie, goalie,goalie.

The problem is Feaster, the whole organization and Damian think a magic fix comes with one word - "GOALIE".

No, it doesn't. Didn't the Bolts (arguably the worst playing hockey team in the league) beat arguably one of the best in the biz just 12 hours ago? Granted he was coming back from injury time out.

But let's see - take Boyle (the most underrated d-man in the league) and trade him for a, at best, 2nd tier proven goalie.

That will make two things happen:

1) Our horrible defense to become worse (if that is possible).

2) Put a 2nd tier goalie behind an average AHL defense, which would probably have Damian, Feaster and Torts screaming about how bad the new guy was.

This is beyond sad.

At least Mr. Moneybags netted his 4th 5-on-5 goal last night.

[Mort]

Cant wait till summer for goalie,need one before deadline to try and get into playoffs.

[shane]

You see guys, I did some research, and based on my own theories and assumed numbers, over 58% of all people with Mohawks are better at hockey than those without mohawks. Right now the Lightning is under .500, so if we want to be a team that can be .580, and make a playoff push, we need EVERYONE to get mohawks. Not just Lightning players, but all FANS TOO!!! I'm going to get a mohawk, and go to a game, I will post a picture soon, I will lead by example. Let's hope everyone else gets mohawks soon and we can have a stanley cup again!!

GO BOLTS!!

GO MOHAWKS!!

[keith]

Ah Shane but that I had some hair to make into a mohawk!!!

Its time to rebuild (hate that word). Caps did it after trading Jagr and dumping a load of talent along with, a couple of years ago. They seem to be on the rise.
HOWEVER IT ALL STARTS BETWEEN THE PIPES. Trade a big star, get a goalie. Dont need an super star, just consistency and faith from the teammates that he'll give em a chance each night. Obviously having the big 3 (or 4 or 5)has not been the golden ticket this year. Trade one of 'em.
Only have to look to the Rangers to see that headline players dont always parlay into team chemistry.

The Hockey News has a section where it asks players about their "welcome to the NHL moment". Burrows may be a 2nd year player, but he learned last night about messing with Vinny. Welcome my brother!!!

[Top-Shelf Short-Side]

You don't know hockey if:
1) You think wearing a different jersey into Boston will get you killed (been there done that, no one even raised an eyebrow)

2) You think trading Holmqvist and a draft pick for Ray Emery will turn into anything more than a future drama episode and lots of losses in the meantime. (He plays mediocre behind a good D in Ottawa, what's that tell you)

3) You think Dan Boyle's trade value (injury + UFA at EoS) will get you a #1 goalie in return, at the trade deadline even. These types of moves go for no more than mid-round draft picks and 3rd liners.

4) You think Cristobel Huet is the answer. He couldn't get Montreal into the playoffs last year and he's barely doing it this year. Think Holmer is inconsistent??... watch this guy for a few games straight.

IMO, with the pending sale, Jay shouldn't do anything at the deadline. Especially with the big 4. You don't know how much the new owner is planning on spending. Maybe more (perhaps we can keep all 4), maybe less (lose 2 rather than 1).

Dumping UFAs at the deadline this year with the pending sale of the team is straight up idiotic. If you are trying to sell your business you don't go giving away top assets in the middle of negotiations. Honestly if I were the owner, I'd handcuff Feaster and throw him in the back of a van until the sale is done... at least that way he can't do anything to ruin the value of my organization.

[mullet]

OK, so me wearing a Rangers jersey in Boston back in 85 doesn't count? Yea, maybe that didn't happen to you, but I lived it! Almost as dangerous as driving in Dallas with NY tags. LOL

You are correct in saying that nothing should be done until the sale is complete. I agree with this 100%. But I feel the new owners should dump Tort and Feaster before the ink dries on the sale documentation. We also need to get some decent scouts out there who can see talent, not these wonders we have now.

[ajax]

NY Sun 10-4-06 Jay Feaster, Tampa GM made a huge tactical error by devoting nearly half of the cap to three players. His stars will all get 90 points but their won't be enough help to compete for the cup.
NY Post 12-30-07 Can we all agree TB GM Jay Feaster has done the poorest job of managing the CBA of any NHL GM?
Type in Jay Feaster and you can read all day long how people agree in unison that this team has no roster, no team, because of the huge top heavy roster.
I might add this, Vancouver is in the middle of a 2-7-1 slump. Low and behold, they have lost three of their starting Dmen in last two weeks. I will write that again, 3 of their starting blue liners are out on injury. Strange coincidence since with Luongo they should win no matter what. Luongo looked pretty shaky last night when the awesome Bolts stuck 4 on him. I bet the Vancouver GM is looking for a new goalie this morning. Amazing how ordinary, or even poor a good goalie can look with less than average Dmen. Trade Luongo~!!!!!
I also noted another thing in the paper, that hilighted our goalie stats for the last three years. The year we won the cup Grahame had a gaa of 2.06 The next year 3.06 That is a huge, HUGE difference. We lost 1/4 of our nucleus that summer. Lost another 1/4 the next and the last 1/4 the next. Why can't we win the cup with the Big 4 alone? What a bunch of underachievers!!!
Fire Jay Feaster.

[bear]

One could equally argue that they over achievers given what Feaster has left in the pantry.

[Shakey]

Trade Dan Boyle ($3.6m) for Jean-Michael Liles of the Avalanche ($1.25m) and a high draft pick. It brings a slightly younger player in who has similiar offensive instincts to Boyle at a $2m savings. It provides the Avs with a more experienced puck moving defenseman. It sets the Bolts up for a year or two down the road, and gives the Avs what they are looking for right now.

[JoeG]

You dont trade your best defenseman (maybe the in the division) when your team is struggling DEFENSIVLY! Your young d-men can learn so much from watching him.But then again you are talking about JF!

[JoeG]

FIRE FEASTER PLEASE!

[Niki]

Maybe I'll go back to thinking about the changes the team should make later. Right now I just want a moment to wallow in "Man - that was a great game to watch!"

If any players read this blog - may your bruises from last night heal quickly. Then go dish out the same punishment to the Stinking Panthers Saturday!

[Another Joe]

The team obviously has it in them. They just gotta bring it more often.
Lets get another win Sat and go from there.

As far as the topic of goalies i like Huet and wouldnt mind going into next year with a Huet/Ramo tandem.

[Nate Dogg]

What ever happened to Roman Turek?...maybe he could be a cheap pick up? no?

[Lightning rod]

That was a great game last night, win or lose, but they won. The whole team got mad/angry/frustrated and played hockey, that all I can ask for. It's one game at a time from now on, and we'll see what happens. I'll leave all that other stuff (trades, firings, etc.) to those who are much more qualified and obsessed.

[Lightning rod]

is

[Nan]

Feaster can talk all he wants but he shouldn't do anything until the sale goes through or it doesn't. Then when that goes through (keep your fingers crossed) Koules will fire Feaster and will bring someone else in to make the trades.

I think both of our goalies are decent and need more experience plus better defense in front of them. With the other D making room for Boyle back in the game, maybe they will follow his lead by playing more physical and being more aggresive with the puck.

I liked that line combo last night of Vinny, Brad and Marty with Boyle and Ranger. The boys looked great last night and really into the game. Now that was hockey! If they keep that up every night, they would win more games.

Go Bolts! Bring it again on Saturday!

[Nate Dogg]

I don't think firing Torts is the right thing to do. I don't know a coach in the NHL who could handle what has happened to his team since the winning of the cup in 04 any better than he has. We've made the playoffs every year since-something that past winners haven't been able to do.

Feaster's trades tho have really killed us. I would give my vote for him to go. (thanks Feast for the memories, but facts are facts). Wayyyy too much compensation to the other teams in the majority of the trades he's made (especially the ones made in 07)

ONE THING I cannot agree any more on (with the people who have mentioned it before me) is THAT THE SCOUTING MUST IMPROVE. Yeah, injuries happen (Rogers, etc.), but we have SPIT for a farm system right now! Honestly, all of the "quality picks" that we've used in the last 5-6 years have just been wasted (Rogers, Mihalik, Egener, etc). It's almost like we shouldn't even bother going up to the podium anymore (even though i think we actually had a decent draft this last summer)

God knows where we would be in the standings if we actually had solid youth coming in and filling spots on the third and fourth lines/4-6th d-men instead of digging around in the "bargain" bin free agents...

God Speed, fellow bolts fans
Nate Dogg

[Don W]

Foghat is correct. The Tampa Bay Lightning doesn't exist as a team. Instead, we have two teams -the "Big 3" and "everybody else". This idea is so pervasive and is constantly reinforced by the media, fans, management, coaches and even the players themselves!

It is psychologically impossible for these two teams to function as one. Someone on the "everybody else" team could never play like a "big 3" because is simply isn't their job. Until the "big 3" are gone and the team starts playing like a single team, they will NEVER benefit from the synergistic creative and competive energy of each other. I'm not necessary advocating getting rid of any of the players that comprise the team "Big 3" - just be rid of the concept and we should NEVER again hear a reference to "THE BIG 3"

[leo]

Top Shelf,
Agreed with everything you were saying up to Huet...
Whoooaaah!
Huet can bring Mtl to the playoffs. He SINGLEHANDEDLY did it 2 yrs ago and is doing it this year.
Reasons Mtl didn't do it last year are 2-fold: a)Huet got injured (big surprise) and,b) MOST IMPORTANTLY, David Crapisher took over, which pretty much signed Mtl's death certificate. (god, he stunk...)
To all those entertaining the arrival of Huet, next year,
Possible. But improbable.
Here's the scoop: (Lisa's gonna love me for this one...)
Mtl LOVES Huet. A frenchie, one of US. But, they also recognize the Presence he exudes towards the Kid. So sure, the Kid will ONE DAY take over, but he might not be ready just yet. (Lisa, you're up.) So Mtl will want to keep him.
The problem,
Huet will not want a 2yr deal; he'll want a 3or4yr deal at, I guess, 4mil per year, which might be a bit steep for a team counting on the arrival of the NEXT ONE to shore up their net for the next 10 yrs. So that paying 4mil for a backup in 2yrs would be counter-productive.
So if Huet tests free-agency, sure, anybody's got a shot, but...
Huet LOVES Mtl, he fits in, he's well-treated, venerated by the fans. You think he would choose a bottom of the barrel team to get extra dough instead of staying home with a home-town discount?
Possibly.
My thoughts? I think Huet will stay with US, sorry, Kid or no Kid.
Boyle for Huet?
Bwah-ha-ha-ha! Keep your Boyle; we already have 5th defensemen. Where would he play? Who's place would he take? Markov's? Komo's? Hamrlyk's? Streit's? And you want our num1 goalie for him?
I don't think so.
Someone mentioned Danis and that Mtl would want too much for him. I disagree. I think Tampa can get Danis for a steal (4th or 5th round pick even!) and it would be a great move. Mtl organization FEELS for Danis. They want him to play but unfortunately have no room for him in their plans. They'll trade him to give him a chance to play and so, they WON'T ask too much for him.
Danis' an NHLer, no doubt, I can testify. (Better than Holmer)
Might be an idea.
P.

[mullet]

Another thing this team is seriously lacking is an effective team captain. With the 3 "A"s out there, no one is really in charge. I don't see any one of them stepping up to take the lead of this position.

So where is our captain? Recovering out of state. How the hell do you lead the team when you are not even in Tampa? No offense to Taylor, he has to heal. But in the meantime, one of these assistants needs to wear the "C" and take charge. Kind of reminds me of Office Space where one person has 9 different bosses. The team needs one central players boss with one vector, not 3 who might have different ideals.

I also see how this team is broken into 2 different "teams" too as stated above. Never thought about it before, but yea, the "Fantastick 4" nonsence really needs to go away, replacing it with the "Fantastick 24". Each player on that team needs to know where they fit in the puzzle and fill it. They need to blend, know each other's strengths and feed off of each other. A well blended team will win games. Run away hot dogs tend to go stale after awhile.

And as I said before, we as fans need to pull for this team, regardless of who the oppenent is. I was brought up as a diehard Rangers fan. It was a great run, but Tampa is my home, and the Lightning is my team. As a player, I would not really fell welcome in a city that seems to have more "away" fans than true home team fans. Maybe I am stretching it a little, but dang, that place gets loud when Buffalo scores.

[leo]

Leo's incendiary remark number 4539.
You know WHY you hear Buf, Nyr, and all canadian fans louder than our own in the St-Pete's, Mullet?
Because their HOCKEY HISTORY is more ensconced in their culture than in Tampa. Their PASSION is greater than Tampa's. They therefore voice their LOVE louder than Tampa does.
So much so, that the earlier comment you posted about being "attacked" if you wear an opposing jersey in NY is ludicrous. (sorry) The Passion for Hockey UNITES us; does not DIVIDE us. You will be WELCOME to cheer for another team just so you can be razzed when you lose. Hockey is LOVE.
Hey, I'm a Montrealer. Ask me if I miss the Nordiques. I do. I miss them terribly. I LOVED to razz them.
This isn't soccer. Soccer is EMOTION. That's why fights break out; that's why deaths ensue.
Hockey is PASSION.
That's why you won't find ANYBODY who hates Ovechkin, for example. We ALL admire him. We ALL love him.
If you had mentioned Philly, ok, cause they're a bunch of goofs who wouldn't know Passion if they found it in bed with their wives.
If you had said Toranna, ok, cause that's a team you're allowed to hate due to their (incompetent) arrogance. A team that believes itself glorious despite the fact that they have won NOTHING since the league expanded past 6 teams. Bunch of losers; they deserve our mockery.
That being said, once this team starts winning consistently, I guarantee the opposing fans' din will not match our own.
P.

[GP]

Leo,

I grew up in Philly as a Flyers fan. Go to a game in Philly and you will see passion. The difference between the Lightning fans and Flyers fans is that in Tampa, the Lightning are considered entertainment. I have season tickets and have heard some of the most insane hockey conversations around me of so called fans who would rather run and get beer and leave with 2 mins left in a 2-2 game. In Philly, the Flyers are a way of life. Philadelphia is not that great of a place and the Phillies and Eagles always disappoint so the Flyers are the one team the city looks to for PASSION. Philly has become a hockey town evidenced by the number of draft choices coming out of there the past three or four years. The Flyers fans KNOW that not making the playoffs is even an option ..... not winning the first round is not even acceptable. Look at last year and the worst season ever for the Flyers. What did they do? Well, currently I believe they went from last to first in their division. That is why you have so many die hard passionate hockey players.

It does disappoint me to see all of the other fans from teams be louder than the tampa fans. I will admit I root for the Flyers when they come to town but every other game I root for the Lightning. I can understand the passion for the Canadian teams ... why not ..... this is a canadian sport first. But Buffalo? What a sad franchise ...... it is unbelievable they have good fans while they consistently disappoint.

The main point is don't say the Flyers fans have no passion. In your instance of being a MTL fan let's say this. Let's put you and half an arena full of MTL fans and me and a half arena full of Flyers fans and see who gets out alive. lol

Do you think the Flyers organization would not have pulled the trigger to fire Feaster and Torts already? The fans from other teams realize their teams feel mediocrity is not an option ..... in Tampa, it is the only option. Hopefully, new owners can change the way of thinking around here.

Good conversation leo.

[GP]

Leo,

Just thought of it ...... are you still bitter for MTL sending the Flyers John Leclair and Eric Desjardins?

Great trade for MTL! lol

[leo]

Then let's continue it, GP.
My point about Philly was exactly that, your "getting out alive", which attached itself to Mullet's observation about "being attacked by home-fans in Boston and NY", which a few bloggers, myself included, thought to be preposterous.
Philly, however!,not so much. Things don't go their way and it's GRIPE AND SLASH AND CRY AND SMASH. Broad Street BULLIES, remember? Hmm...your THREE suspended players, this year alone...
Philly confuses PASSION with HOSTILITY.
In the image of the team before you, roughing up opposing fans doesn't make you a good fan.
It makes you a BAD fan.
(But I assume you were being facetious.)
That being said, please allow a Mtler to spit on Brière and everything he represents. Sorry, GP, but that means your team.
Which suits US fine, cause Mtl has Philly in its pocket. Philly FEARS us. Always have. (Care to dispute?)
Since they have forever fallen before US, it is only natural to claim that Philly's lack of PASSION is their Achilles heel. (As Brière will demonstrate to you when the chips are down.)
Philly played that card mid-seventies and it worked, for awhile...
And then, le club de hockey Canadien SHOWED you how to play, remember?
Showed you what PASSION really was, right?
I'll never root for Philly, (an Enemy)and I'm sure the feeling is mutual from a Flyer die-hard, but you will ALWAYS be welcome in Mtl. More welcome than ANY other place on HockeyPlanet.
Are WE as welcome in Philly? Hmmm..
But if!
You were referring to the amount of NOISE generated by the fans, and Philly taking it over Mtl?
You must be joking. Only Mtl fans can make CONCRETE vibrate. But hey, who knows?
(Don't take me TOO seriously, GP, but DEFEND yourself, mate, there were fightin words in there.)
P.

[leo]

Ain't gonna lie, gp. Very bitter. Still hurts.
But woulda hurt MORE if Philly capitalized. Which they didn't. Ooops!
But yeah. I remember freaking out when I heard; I was so p.oed. Recchi, more like Blecchi. I never understood what people saw in this guy. Sure he can put up points but he's a coat-tail rider! I've always said so and even mentioned it here.
No Team-Determination, this guy, just solo-determination, blecchh.
Well, he WAS a Flyer, right? (uh-oh, you gonna take that?)
How did OUR Mtlers do for ya in Philly?
P.

[bear]

Better make fun of the Leafs while you can Leo.

They can buy and sell any 10 teams in hockey and it sounds like they are finally getting their Ducks in a row, no pun

If any of Burke,Rutherford,Poile or Holland take over the full hockeyside then the Giant awakes quickly.Leafs can easily afford a big check for any of them.

They have a 1st place AHL team, a great goalie and a great goalie prospect in Poggee and some solid kids that are playing right now. I bet they trade Sundin for a boatload, Mccabe Kubina, Tucker and Antropov too. That gets them a # 1 or 2 pick this year and a shot at Ontario's Tavares in 2009 while they reboot.

With cap space, more money than IBM, and a load of picks and prospects, they will be the force that they should be in Hockey's Mecca.

It will be very interesting to see who takes that job.

That's the exact formula they should follow here too but the franchise would have an empty barn most nights making it unfeasterable..catch 22 of epic size.

[leo]

Besides Sundin, I think you're overpricing alot, bear.
Toskala is very, very good, not great. For Pogge, hey, I'm curious too.
Tucker is a bigger white elephant than Richards by a looong shot. Is he really worth another 12mil because of ONE fluke year? Tucker now thinks of himself as a goal-scorer, ha!, his career is finished if he doesn't go back to being what got him into the league, a pest. And NO pest is worth what, 4mil/yr for another 3yrs? (I'm not sure...)
Antropov, big and sharp, but slow and injury-prone.
Kubina plain sucks and has no grit.
McCabe, oddly enough is THEIR Brad Richards; they're likely out to DUMP him, so no, they won't make a killing with him.
Only Sundin can bring in the motherlode, that is...
If he decides to waive.
P.

[GP]

Leo,

Good retort ... I expected the pretty much everything you said. lol

Let's start on the Broad Street Bullies ..... I was 1 when thwy won the cup. (Still a hockey fan but did not know it yet.) The Flyers fan only turn hostile against Devils and Rangers fans. Those are the only two teams I can't stand in the league. Mtl would be fine in Philly and you are right, I was being facetious when I mentioned the getting out alive. I was just feeding into the big bad Flyers.

I disagree that Philly conufses Passion with Hostility. The Flyers consistently play like the game you saw last night. Are you going to say you did not enjoy last nights game? That type of game worked for Anaheim last year and they won the cup by doing it but yet no one ever admits that. The Flyers are built for the playoffs. They have taken it over the edge a few times this year though. But let me defend those too. I've seen every on on TV ... never miss a game ... gotta love DVR and Center Ice.

Downie deserved to be suspended but no as long.

The Jones hit was unfortuante but no ill will was intended. Jones isn't that type of player. You see that same hit ever single game and nothing is called. If Bergeron wasn't hurt on the play we would not be talking about it.

Hartnell's suspension was a freakin joke. He barely ran into him.

Boulerice .... well deserved suspension even though Kesler over embellished it. Boulerice showed a lack of thought for another players safety when he did that and I could care less if I ever see him in a Flyers uniform.

I never insinuated that Flyers fans could be louder in MTL than MTL fans. I would be naive to believe that. Same goes for MTL fans in Philly. Not achance of being louder than Flyers fans.

I like what MTL has done by building through the draft. It has put them into a position to trade prospects for a chance to make a run in the playoffs. The FLyers have also built through the draft and made aquisitions to bolster the young guys. They seem to be poised to starting up a good rivalry in the coming years.

As for Recchi. He was beloved in Philly because he played one heck of a team game. I know most MTL fans feel the same about you when it come to his time in MTL. I'm not sure what happened when he was there but that's a shame.

So I'm not cutting on MTL fans at all. My response was directed at your comment of lack of PASSION amongst Flyers fans.

Briere - Not sold on him yet. I like his talent but he has a lot of Brad Richards in him.

[leo]

Hey, you see a shark, you throw some chum, right?
Yeah, yeah, you got the passion, but it ain't as vertuous as ours, let's say.
As for Recchi, he played, he got pts. No one doubted his point production, it was his PASSION that was doubted. He would fold; Mtl was too much for him. And once Mtl is too much for a player; then he's not wanted him anymore. Get lost; you don't DESERVE to be here. You can't take it; you don't got IT. (The Passion to succeed despite the Pressure.)
That's why WE spit on Brière. We offered him MORE to come HOME and he turned his back on US. Then get lost; you don't DESERVE to be here. You can't take it; you don't got IT. (The Passion to succeed despite the Spot-Light.)
Ok, let's move on with this one:
Mtl HOPES to meet the Flyers in the playoffs. Or the Pens, the Bs, the Canes and, to some extent, the Isles. Why? Because these teams FEAR Montreal. Has nothing to with who won when; it's about mental toughness.
Same way Mtl FEARS Joisy and doesn't want to have to play them in a series. Marty's tough.
But Mtl see the guys in Orange?
They're advancing, no problem.
P.

[Not The Marlboro Man]

What I don't get is how The Double Chinned One has so much time to blog on the Hockey News. Shouldn't he be using all his time to scout and evaluate players and then work the phone lines for deals. At the trade deadline last season he sat on his big bohunkus and brought in what? A rookie, a fourth liner and a nobody AHLer. Outstanding work for a an AHL caliber GM. Like I said before, this guy, if left to his own devices is going to ruin this team to point of FUBAR. This Mickey Mouse owner had better ditch his best ice cream consumer before he gets stuck with a white elephant franchise that he's not going to be able to sell for the price he wants. Bring back Esposito, Rick Dudley, Brian Bradley, Pat Burns, Donald Duck or anyone for that matter, just get rid of Feaster.

[Bear]

Leo wrong on most counts..Tucker would look pretty good on Montreals 3rd line.
Habs won't go far because of lack of grit,a la Tucker.

[leo]

What, as a water-boy?
Mtl's 3rd line: Latendresse,Lapierre,Kostitsyn
4th line:
Begin, Smolinski, Kostopoulos
How do you figure that one, Bear?
At the limit, Tucker could play for Kostopoulos. Both the same. Tucker has higher scoring potential. Kosto has higher smart-play potential.
Tucker 4mil. Kosto 1mil.
Ain't paying 4mil for a 4th liner, or a 3rd liner for that matter. We'll keep Kosto, thank you. (And if I had to choose, it'd be Kosto, anyway.) Am I missing something, Partisanship aside?
As for no grit? Hee-hee-hee...
We'll see.
P.

[bear]

Not sayin trade for Tucker..just sayn

[Casper]

My good scotch, wasted...

A buddy decided to spike my BP saying he hopes Jay Feaster wins the powerball or schmoozes a DESPERATE old WEALTHY widow and buys the club. I almost blacked out, man.

All this because I put a curse on his beloved Bucs 30+ years ago and only lifted it in the early nineties. (Even wrote to Hubert Mizell about the reason.)

If ol' single malt sponge roots for the Stinking Panthers tomorrow night, his car is going to mysteriously start running funny.

[tundo]

Leo, I dont know if Montreal would move Danis that cheap. I don't know much about his development over the past year or his numbers with Hamilton(Im guessing that is where he ended up), but I do remember him being pretty damn good at Brown. Maybe the organization is not high on him anymore?, but with goaltending at a premium right now in the NHL, I can't see the Habs moving him for just a 5th round pick, especially for someone that could be a #1 goalie in the NHL (from what I saw of him in college). I still don't understand how the guy wasn't drafted, at least I don't think he was...

But if you are right, and that is all it would take, then Feaster needs to get on the phone right now! We could enter next year with Ramo/Danis and right the hot hand all year long. As long as the D is better, those guys would be fine...

[tundo]

I love the idea of bringing back Esposito. The guy never once had a fair shot as the GM of this team. He knows hockey, and good with money too. If we were to replace Feaster (not saying he needs to go just yet but he sure is heading down that path), Esposito would be a great fit. Im guessing if presented with the job, he would probably take it...

[leo]

I know he's good, tundo. YOU know he'S good. Problem is, no one else does. How is a GM going to explain to his President that he's giving a starter or a prospect or a 1st or 2nd round pick for a num4 goalie?
Gainey can't say, yeah, he's really, really good, but not as good as Halak. And we got plans for the Kid. Sooo...yeah, he's num4, but he's really, really good.
See what I mean?
Mtl likes Danis; they'd be HAPPY to trade him, just to give him a well-deserved shot.
That's why I say,
Tampa can get Danis for Dirt Cheap.
P.

[tundo]

Well if Montreal really does care about the kid that much to trade him rather that letting him play in the minors, then it would be a good find for the Bolts. You are right in the fact that nobody is going to trade anything significant for someone they have never heard of, which is why I figured Montreal wouldn't allow him to leave, because they know how good he is and wouldn't get back the value they could in say another year or two.

If we could somehow add him in, I would be very confident in the goaltending situation with Ramo and Danis next season, and then Helenius further down the road.

Then we would just have to worry about the defense, which can always be fixed with some smart free agent signings if the kids are still not NHL ready by next season...

[GP]

Leo,

Let me speak for Flyers fans everywhere and say MTL is not the team we are worried about in the playoffs. The Devils are the only team the Flyers would want to steer clear of at all costs. They can't seem to beat them.

[tundo]

Ottawa is the team EVERYONE should be worried about, especially if they can get their goaltending situation figured out before the playoffs start. That is a scary, scary team to go up against in a 7 game series.

Doesn't matter anyways, nobody is going to beat the Wings. With that defense they have, I can't see anyone beating them.

[Nate Dogg]

Hey GP, I'm pretty sure Philly fans (of all sports let alone Flyers fans) are the biggest a-holes to ANY fan. I can tell you one thing...I've never had a fan of any other opposing team purposely spill ketchup all over my Lightning jersey (in Tampa, mind you...where the same guy probably works and pays his taxes to). Only Flyers fans...

But hey, don't take my opinion, just ask Michael Irving, JD Drew, Santa Clause, etc...

Nate Dogg

[Dan]

The Bolts don't have a good farm system. Players brought in don't perform well. All those player selections are directly from the GM's position. Bolts need to change there. If God was a goalie, he probably wouldn't perform well if the guys on the ice aren't contributing. Keep our goalies and build around them. Once the Bolts return to being a top tier team, THEN tinker with goal. May need to trade Richards if only to free up money for free agents.

[Casper]

Good point Dan.
I hear vouxja de in Leo's thought on Danis for cheap. Heard the same reasoning from Burke about getting Bryzgalov to a club, any club that would play him. He entertained modest offers for picks. More precisely, he HEARD no offers and made it known Bryz could be had for a not too high pick, just play the man and let him show you what he can do. Obviously Feaster is in a country club of GM dunces because of the forced waiver wire action.

Danis' Montreal situation rings similarly but,... Danis. That's one vowel away from a cesspool. Hopefully a galaxy apart in talent/liabilities.

[Mike13]

This is insane. Damian, there is no way any of us on this blog trust JF to land a proven #1 goalie. Not through trade especially, and certainly not through FA signing.

The problem is defense. Our Goalies could be very good if they had the kind of defense in front of them as some of the top teams in the league (Detroit, Ottawa, Anaheim, Vancouver, etc).

Of course, having that kind of a defense AND a proven #1 goalie would be the dream. But as long as Feaster remains the GM, I fear that it will remain but a dream.

[leo]

No, no, no!
Ottawa SHOULD NOT scare anybody. Granted, they are an offensive MACHINE, but!
What did Leo say 2½ months ago? That Gerber WOULD FOLD. What happened? Ding-ding.
Emery has more pride than grit. Team has turned on him; UNITY is affected. Emery will FOLD.
Once a team has no TRUE num1, well...you know my thoughts on that one.
So. I'm not HOPING for Mtl to meet them but nor do I FEAR THEM. Mtl FEARS only Brodeur.
God WAS a goalie, Dan, and has appeared in many incarnations. Plante, Sawchuk, Parent, Roy, Brodeur (et others) who transformed mediocre teams into champions.
A Good team needs a Good goalie MUCH MORE than a Good goalie needs a Good team. Of course, without a semblance of Talent in front of him, a goalie can't be expected to reach the Lofty Heights, but without a semblance of Talent BEHIND THEM, a team will go NOWHERE, and very quickly at that.
Let's see...hmmm...what team can I use as an example...hmmm...oh!
No wait...another one.
Washington. Best player in the World (at the moment) on their team, but Olaf behind him. (not knockin the guy but he's gettin old, ol'Olie) Team is duking it out in weakest division for the chance to make (for all intents and purposes) the Final spot in the play-offs.
But put Pascal Leclaire in Wash? And he'll AFFECT the standings MORE than Ovy.
I mean, is CLB's defense really THAT good?
Or Joisy's?
Or Couver's?
P.

[leo]

One more thing.
Bear,
Something what, slipped past me last time. Was gonna let it go but couldn't.
Referring to Toranna as "the Hockey Mecca" (especially in capitals!), is like putting a silk bow on a pig. Momentarily amusing but mostly offensive.
There is only ONE Hockey Mecca. To even RE-affirm it is to dishonor it. Only ONE place where Glory has FLOWED through the generations, constantly asserting itself through a team of Champions, with DOZENS of FANNIONS swaying in its amphitheater, PROVING to all Others that THEY STAND ALONE in the Mecca.
And before anyone retorts about the Hockey Hall of Fame, consider that the First and Most Imposing display you see as you walk in is...a Bleu-Blanc-Rouge dressing-room. (Ask Hockey-Chic)
I forgive you Bear, because I can only assume that that wasn't what you MEANT to say.
...Toranna as hockey-mecca...sheesh, why not Nashville as long as we're at it?
P.

[Bear]

ask anybody here where the Mecca of Hockey is Leo

Same place that has the Hockey Hall of Fame.

You're deaming if you think that the Habs can win in Philly or NJ let alone beat Ottawa...Heatly will be back.

thats funny..too soft.

[GP]

Nate Dogg,

I don't think Philly fans are the biggest aholes in all of sports. I think that can be reserved for New York Fans.

Let's ask Michael Irvin? I remembered the play when everyone cheered he got hurt. No one knew his career was pretty much over because of it. Cheering Irvin getting hurt was more of a sign of respect than disrespect bc he killed the Eagles all the time.

Let's ask JD Drew? Hey JD, the Phillies drafted you with a high first round draft choice and you refused to sign even though the Phillies met your contract demands, did you expect to have a hard time in Philly after that? He would have said yes bc he hurt the Phillies by wasting that high draft choice. The batteries that were thrown at hime was unfortunate and a the few terrible people who did it were arrested. Key word few.

Santa Claus - No reason for pelting him with snow balls. I think the Eagles stopped selling beer after the first half bc of that incident.

Point being ..... does Philly have some bad fans? Absolutely! Sorry for your jersey and I would have said something to him had I seen it. However, I witnessed a Lightning fan push a Flyers fan down the steps this year at the Forum. They kicked the FLyers fan out for it. What a joke. So everywhere has bad fans.

What about this instance .... the Pittsburgh fans at the Steelers game booed soldiers walking onto the field during a pregame ceremony earlier this year. Flyers fans would have never done that. What people don't know is that Flyers fans gave Mario Lemieux a standing ovation when he came back from Lymphoma. Cheered! Philly fans can be out of control at times (liquor liquor liquor) but they do get a bad rap at times.

[leo]

I DID ask, bear. And they said Mtl. I warn that the Hall comment is a contradiction unto itself and then you bring it up. Sorry, try again.
Of course I'm dreaming, bear. That's what fans do.
Nevertheless, I'm QUITE confident that Mtl will CRUSH Philly, should they bump into'em in the playoffs. Philly REMEMBERS our History and FEARS it. The Battle is half-won.
I don't FEAR Ottawa. (They have no goalie; THEY WILL FALL, if not to Mtl, ultimately to another.) I'm PRETTY confident that Mtl will bring on the pain, as they've been bringing it CONSISTENTLY for 6 weeks.
This a very exciting time.
But yes,
I FEAR Joisy. But I've said that, haven't I?
As for Heatley? Oooooouu...
If you think Pronger was HARD on'im, wait'll you see how Komisarek plays.
Ain't saying we're gonna win. But I ain't saying we're gonna lose.
P.

[Jonathan]

1) Have a sit-down with BR today. What does he want long-term? If he wants the money, then meeting adjourned. If he wants a long, healthy career, ask him if he is willing to renegotiate his contract. Maybe a longer term, but lower salary now. I dont think he is inept, but I do think he still has some learning to do, and until we get a hard-nosed veteran in here to lead him, he isnt worth what he is being paid. In the long term, I think he will be more valuable.

2)STFU! I wont talk about trades or the summer until this deadline is passed. Why show my hand? I dont need to be weak heading into the negotiations. I would put out an APB to all GMs letting them know that I am willing to talk/listen to any offer they have. Its a numbers game, and Jay should be able to pick up a good player from one team who is at a need for one of our middle-tier players.

3) Leave Vinny alone. I will work in the off-season to get him a good contract after the fate of the team's ownership is decided. If we cant get it done in the offseason and I am convinced he wants the free market, then by all means, I will make a blockbuster trade early in the season. Vinny isnt being challenged for his position and therefor isnt going to lose it to anyone. Some of these players I am looking at THIS offseason are not in the same position. A goalie could lose his spot in training camp to a rookie that can push. A defensemen might be put down a notch to train a younger guy for the long-term health of another franchise.
Jay HAS TO KNOW that he has some options this year, and they dont require moving Vinny just yet - and possibly never.

4) I would get a valuable commodity before the trade deadline, and possibly even look at being creative with a 3-way trade if I knew a few teams that are willing to listen.

5) Urge my owners to let me make a move, because waiting until next season will be disastrous for whomever might be in my seat.