Lightning trades Vinny Prsopal

The Lightning traded left wing Vinny Prospal to the Flyers for minor league defenseman Alexandre Picard. Here is the release sent out by the team.

The Lightning has acquired defenseman Alexandre Picard and either a second- or third-round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for center/left wing Vaclav Prospal, Executive Vice President and General Manager Jay Feaster announced. If Philadelphia qualifies for the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals Tampa Bay will receive Philadelphia’s second-round pick in 2009, and if they do not the Lightning will receive Calgary’s third-round pick in 2009.

"Alexander Picard is a young prospect with good size and excellent hockey sense who has played in the NHL," said Feaster. "We believe he has a significant amount of upside in his future. In moving Vaclav Prospal we wanted to add to our organizational depth, and by acquiring both a young defenseman and a future draft pick we were able to achieve that goal."

A native of Gatineau, Quebec, Picard has played in 53 games with the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League this season and ranks second on the team, first among defensemen, in points with 38. His eight goals and five power-play goals also lead all Phantom defensemen. Picard represented Philadelphia at the 2008 AHL All-Star Game and recorded one assist. He has established AHL career highs this season in goals, assists and points.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound defenseman has played in 134 career AHL games recording 16 goals and 74 points. He has played his entire three-season AHL career with the Phantoms. He has also played in two career Calder Cup Playoff games.

Picard has played in 72 career NHL games with the Flyers, tallying three goals, 22 points and 23 penalty minutes. On February 1, 2007 against the New Jersey Devils he posted five assists which set a Flyers record for most assists by a defenseman and most assists by a rookie in a single game. He became just the second rookie defenseman in NHL history (Gary Suter, CGY, 6 vs. EDM on 4/4/86) and just the third player in Flyers history (Eric Lindros, Bobby Clarke) to accomplish the feat.

The 22-year-old was drafted by Philadelphia in the third-round, 85th overall, at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He played in 255 career junior games with Halifax and Cape Breton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and recorded 31 goals and 122 points.

Comments

[jr]

A lot of potential, that is, until Tortorella gets a hold of him.

[boltflasher]

Good trade!!

[boltflasher]

Now, who plays on Vinny's left?

[wiggy]

I would guess whomever comes here for Richie or maybe Darche.

[Anita]

This totally sucks! I can only hope the intention is to try and get him back in the off season. I'm so disappointed.

[JW]

No, no, no, no, no. Vaclav Prospal is playing fabulously right now and this season. I can't say I'm surprised he's gone, just because we had to trade someone, but I don't agree with it. He was proving himself after a slump last year, and he's one of our best players right now, frankly. He will be missed. Dearly. And this is a sign that Brad Richards won't be traded. Prospal has been significantly better than Brad this season. I'm tired of Richards being held in such high regard when Prospal is working so hard. Ugh. Jay Feaster.

[Herb]

Hey Chic..Someone stole my "rosies" and left a brown tint set of glasses in it's place. What a brutal 3 games I missed. Thanks for the regards to my son. We/He was told to expect to be deployed to Iraq anywhere from 90 to 120 days. My wife is having a tough time with that as well as myself. My son and I have season tix with me up until he enlisted in Oct. His favorite player was a Prospal (he has a Prosal customized jersey) and won't like the news. I told him at his Army boot camp graduation to expect the trade. Well I hope the Pillsbury Dough Boy and his terrible scouting staff at least got this one right. Only time will tell.

[David]

I love Prospal, but he's always getting on the bad side of Torts.

Sadly Torts may not be going anywhere so Prospal had to go.

[tundo]

Good trade for us. Prospal was never going to resign here, and we got a solid young defensive prospect in return.

Better than getting nothing...

[Eric]

I really like Prospal. Great season that he is having. I hate to see the MVP line broken up but odds were it was going to happen in the off season anyway (Prospal - Unrestricted Free Agent).

We get a defenseman with a lot of potential. We sign Boyle which is a sign that Richards will be moved before the trade deadline.

I think that we can pull this all together but let's not forget one thing in all of this...TORTS must go. He is an ineffective coach and an absolute goon. He lacks the professionalism needed in the leadership of this team. So Feaster one more move ... FIRE TORTS.

[Herb]

I agree Tundo but who knows what other teams may have given the Bolts. The pick should have come from the upcoming draft though because it is said to be a deep draft. That is my only question.

[Lisa]

I would rather just keep Prospal and lose him for nothing at the end than get a defenseman that is -9 in the minors. If this is what we can expect from Feaster, I don't want to see what trash he brings in for Richards. Garbage.

[tony n]

Wow - since we basically traded V20 for nothing why didn't we wait and see what he would have fetched on Tuesday?

Great we get another big defense man who does not use his size to play physical.

AKA - Kubina, Kuba and O'Brien. Perfect.

I guess on the plus side they will not have to teach him the stick check - sounds like he has that move down!

[leo]

Might not have been traded if he had kept his yap shut 2 weeks ago. Told ya.
This is a heck of a good trade for Filly. Although, I hope they don't think they're going the distance this year, not without a goalie. What'd I say 'bout Biron? Told ya. Anyway, who cares 'bout them? ..losers..
Me too, Dave. I liked Prospal. And more and more, I'm getting on the Feaster-dump bandwagon because of this.
Alex Picard?! C'mon!
But hey, we NEEDED picks and Feaster got me some, so...well, since Vaclav's days were numbered anyway...
Guess I'll keep MY yap shut.
BBR

[Katrina]

I'll miss Vaclav Prospal. He was a better player than Richards. Feaster...your crazy. Just because the coach has a problem with him. Give me a break. And what do you get for him? Junk !!!!

[Insane!]

leo, leo, leo.

Prospal was gone whether he "mouthed off" or not.

Do you pay attention to anything? Buy some books on ice hockey.

[geo]

Im sorry this is a lousy trade Prospal was worth a lot more those who think this is good need their head examined get rid od torts and uncle feater now

[Prospal's OUT]

"In a way...And I hope that I shove it after somebody's butt." It was this statement that ended Prospal's TBL career.

[geo]

From bad to worse

[leo]

Did you read the rest of the post or did you get all hyped up after the 1st sentence?
Read the whole thing, mate.
Pithy!
BBR

[Phil]

Prospal averages about 60 points a season...how ya gonna replace that?? Hope this means we can keep Richy...his salary is killin them though. Sounds like Picard can add some more offence from the blue line...hopefully he can play some D! Guessing Flyers don't make East Conf Finals so looks like a 3rd rounder in addition to Picard...Richy was a 3rd rounder as well...but can they wait til 2009?!?

[Debbie]

This is BS. How can we get rid of him? He's playing the best hockey of his career! Ugh - so much for the excitement of resigning Danny.

[wiggy]

Agree, Phil..the '09 is bothersome. Hard to believe some of those Western Conference teams didn't offer more. Maybe they did but Boyle's salary is already strapping the Bolts.

[Robert M Streeter]

Yeah let's trade one of the few guys that was producing, one of the few that showed heart for a minor league defensman, what's next Feaster? trade Vinny4 for a pack of smokes and some Molson? (I'm sick to my stomach)

[boltflasher]

Hey people, do you not realize Prospal was unrestricted free agent...he was gone at the end of the year...at least we got SOMETHING for him instead of nothing...Picard is a good prospect. The plus minus is not a good indicator especially so in the AHL...

[Tom --- Section 214 -- Season Ticketholder]

Anyone who understands hockey better see the handwriting on the wall! Losing Prospal is the least of our worries...

In the "new NHL" with the salary cap and other considerations, the teams that excel in the future will be experts at judging quality talent and drafting good prospects.

Featser is a lawyer...did I say enough already? He couldn't tell a good hockey player from an old lady on a shuffleboard court. And his scouting department in a word...DISMAL!

What proves my point? Consider this: M. Denis, C. Gratton, A. Karlsson, M. Oullet, J. Ward...do I need to go on?

While the Lightning brought us all joy when they won the Stanley Cup, they're slowly proving that they fail to understand the meaning of the term "sustainable competitive advantage" when it comes to running a successful hockey operation.

The Japanese, Art Williams, the Maloofs, and now Jay Feaster and Koules...what a cast of amusing, however depressing characters.

[Mikey]

Feaster is a moron. We lose Prospal, who is playing fabulously, for someone with "potential". The only thing Feaster said about this guy is that "he has played in the NHL."

Remember Mark Denis was supposed to be the next big thing? We had to lose Modin to find out that was a FLOP.

[Speedo the Alka Seltzer Boy]

Picard in to save the day with Danny Boyle and his new, fat deal. Dust away Brad and we improve our club with a whopping $1.2M, plus the 3M Boyle was getting. Way to go there, Thrifty Nickel Feaster. Four and a quarter mil saved that ain't allowed to be spent on help by the prospective new Dou***bag.

Stick a microphone in front of our goalies to see if they're ready to do backflips over these revolin' developments.

[//]

But you were a season ticket holder through it all!! You should get a medal at center ice before the final home game.

[geo]

They gave Boyle about 1 mil a year to much hes good but not that good another Richards type of deal get rid of feaster im about to go back to only following the red wings and no more season tickets for the lower level of the lightning feaster must go

[Phil]

Yo Tom...won't defend Feaster, but don't be dissin' role players like Grats & Ward who have filled their roles admirably...very solid third line players.

[Tom]

Hey Phil..if you think Gratton and Ward have "filled their roles admirably" then you must be drinking the same Kool-Aid as Feaster!

[steve]

Feaster you made another blunder!!! You have no clue!!! I bet we wont even get a goalie in the off season and we'll take last place again next year too... Fire Torts.

[jr]

Here's the kicker:

Either PSE or OK, if he manages to swindle a loan out of thin air, will jack up ticket prices in '08-'09.

[As Reality Sets In!!]

Come on, Prospal being traded is a surprise to anyone? He wasn't going to resign here. Period. At the very least some assets were aquired before he had a chance to run with no compensation.

Hasn't this been discussed here for over a month?

At this I wouldn't worry about exactly who comes back, as long as there is that silly word "potential" attached. The best thing to do at this point is to aquire as much as possible and rework the roster in the summer. Picks and prospects never run out of favor and we will likely have quite a few to deal.

Relax everyone. We are only in chapter one of this story.

It's what many were asking for right? Move salary for picks/prospects and begin rebuilding the team?

Your dream is quickly becoming reality. As has been said. Careful what you ask for............

[wiggy]

The salary just moved to the blue line.

[Ron]

So Prospal was unrestricted? He was worth resigning; he kicks Richards' butt and even Marty for that matter the last few weeks. Who said this isn't personal? It isn't a coincidence that 2 weeks after the "up someones' butt" comment, Tortorella must have had a temper tantrum (normal), went crying to GM, and together, they conspired to axe Prospal. I don't normally believe in conspiracy theories save for the details of this seemingly non-trade for a minor defenseman. What's the advantage here and what am I missing?

[Nils]

Here's what Spector said:

"This move was an obvious salary dump by the Lightning, as the return is clearly with an eye on the future while clearing the boards of Prospal’s remaining salary."

[Nate Dogg]

For once, I really don't feel so mad after a trade...

I mean the kid put up 22 points in 62 NHL games...as a 21 year old. (THE YEAR THE FLYERS WERE LAST IN THE NHL). Since then, that awful (when I say awful, I mean awesome) year, they've acquired a bunch of good/solid defenseman. Because of that, they let him go back down to the AHL so that way he wasn't rushed and can refine his game another year. And he was an AHL allstar this year.

I see a lot of potential coming through the kid.

A good trade considering we could've gotten nothing for him in return at the end of the season. Especially since Prospal would've been asking for a couple $million more that we couldn't have afforded.

[Lisa]

We all knew that Prospal would be traded, but the deal sucks. It isn't worth it to trade for garbage, we didn't even get a bag of pucks for him.
I expected a lot more for Prospal, especially since there is a complete lack of goal scorers available for trade at the moment. Look at what Atlanta (over)paid for Tkatchuk last year: Prospal is no worse than Tkachuk, and we got close to nothing in return for him. Just a very bad move by Feaster.

We need Boyle. He gets the offense started, and if he was not re-signed, Vinny would not be extending his contract beyond next season.

Lets see if Feaster can get more than a bag of used pucks with the Flyers logo on them for Richards. Somehow, I doubt it.

[jr]

Clearly the Lightning were offered more talent for Prospal but wouldn't accept it because of salary considerations, i.e., the "fantasy" owner.

[The Shrink]

A brain Ron

[The Shrink]

See Ron, Nate Gets It!!

[Nate Dogg]

As Reality Sets In,

Yes...I am one of many who strongly feel it is time to rebuild (with the potential to still rebuild for next year via free agency-a la Philly Flyers)

At this point in time, a good start...

[Tom]

Shrink:

That was really funny! And so true...

[Nate Dogg]

...mind you we don't have the payroll to go after a Briere type, but you get my point. I guess I should've said "better/afforadble players"*

[Jimmy]

Like "As reality sets in!" said, the Lightning had to get something for this horse's &%$ before they got nothing. He publicly criticized Tortorella and obviously that isn't going to fly. He is inconsistent and not really very good at all. Just sucks the Lightning get a 3rd rounder instead of a 2nd rounder because there is no way the Flyers make the Eastern Conference finals...sorry.

The Boyle deal is a long one, bringing him to age 37 when it ends, but you know what that means, tomorrow the Lightning and Brad Richards part ways. It is sad but true. You will be miseed bad. My apologies for the team screwing you around since you hoisted that Conn Smythe. All these people can trash you all they want, but you will go to another team, on lines with better players and be the player you were before you were stripped of the least bit of talent.

Do not be suprised if there isn't more than one move made tomorrow either. Kuba is next.

[Patrick]

Prospal is gone, Boyle is signed. That only leaves Richards as the last big bolt expected to be traded.

I can't believe no one is complaining about the length of the deal Boyle got... he's gonna be making 6.5 mil until he's 38? How productive will Brad Richard's season this year compare to Boyle when he's 38?

And we traded for another young defenseman instead of a winger or center to replace Prospal or Richards? Are we gonna have Vinny centering defensemen next year?

I realize we dealt Prospal as a rental player - the 2nd or 3rd round pick might wind up being the better part of it. I guess it's not a bad deal for a rental player. But when are we going to get some 1st and 2nd line forwards? Pretty soon we'll be talking about how Vinny has no wingers. If he's still here for very much longer.

[***]

The franchise is circling the drain.

[Nate Dogg]

Lisa...how Don Waddell still has a job after the busts of trades he made at last year's deadline is nothing short of a modern day miracle. And plus, unlike Tkuchuk, there was no way Prospal would've come back even if THE ALMIGHTY MARK CUBAN would've tried to resign him.

[boltflasher]

I can't believe you people dissin the Prospal trade...Like what did you expect to get for a Free Agent??? What planet are you on?

[Voice of the Turtle]

You don't suppose that Prospal upset Mr. Tortorella leading to the petulantly excitable coach's demand that he be moved by Mr. Shamu? After all, who wouldn't trade a guy who is only going to net well over 30 NHL goals this year for some minor league shlub and a 2009 3rd round (that is crapshoot territory, folks) draft choice.

Assuming the 2009 draft choice turns out to be useful, the likelihood is that one would be waiting until 2012 to reap some value. So, Mr. Dispose-All-Mouth, how does that "add to the organizational depth?"

Does anyone remember what happened to the highly effective Richards/St. Louis/Modin line when Mr. Sabu traded Freddy? Currently, how many lines in the NHL can match the numbers put up this year by #s 4, 20, & 26?

So congratulations Carbo Boy, you did it again: trading wheat for chaff. You are a certified anathema to the Tampa Bay Lightning and its stalwart supporters. You are also very weak-willed, disingenuous, and stupid.

[As Reality Sets In]

I understand your reasons Nate. I believe other options were available however the decision was made. It is what it is. Picking up top players means picking up big salaries in return. Defeats the purpose. Pick up as many promising pieces as possible and they can be used to aquire others who may be more NHL ready but still cheap. Or just keep em. Gather enough, something will come of a few of them. It's the way it works.

It was reported Prospal wanted 4+ mil to stay here. That's hardly gonna happen. He may have had a good year but he's up and down all the time. I rarely agree with ajax but he's dead on with prospal - buyer beware.

Let's move on. This is far from over.

[boltflasher]

Though unlikely, the Bolts can resign Prospal after the season and then will have him plus Picard AND the draft pick...I am no JF fan but GEEZUSSS!!!! Prospal is A FREE AGENT!!! do you guys not understand that?

[Sean]

I hear and see people mentioning salary cap as if it is driving the moves the Lightning are making (including radio sports analysts).

Realize the Lightning have operated most of the season at $44.5 of a $52.5 million cap, that difference is the cost of a stud goalie UNDER the cap. They are keeping their own budget, but it's not cap driven.

V20 was good, and it is a significant loss, but this season is over and so was Prospal's contract at the end of this year. Many more moves will happen before next season opens.

[Nate Dogg]

People, people, people...I mean the 2nd/3rd rounder isn't all that bad even if it ends up being a 3rd rounder AND we keep the pick.

You never know, let's say that pick turns into a 2nd rounder...all of a sudden the Lightning have an extra pick to use to trade for some more affordable talent.

But then again, knowing how Feaster has used second round picks in the past, he'll probably use it to re-acquire Chris Gratton after Gratton signs with the Devils in the 08 free agency.

HONESTLY...who would you people have traded for with a SOON TO BE UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT?...let alone who would you trade for that you would ALSO be able to afford to resign once their level entry contract is up after 3 years?

Comrades, it's not like we would have been able to get James vanRemdisdyskjdsdknadkld (#2 pick last year playing for UNH) or anything along those lines.

[As Reality Sets In]

I guess very few people understand what's happening here.

Prospal was gone before his comment. Plain and simple. I'd much rather a prospect and pick than a goodby wave.

Has it occoured to anyone that there was a meeting this morning with the non-owner who is now calling the shots? Naw.......it's too easy to blame Feaster for a deal which a few years from now, or sooner, will be a dud or an outstanding deal. Don't anyone tell me that you know the future. You don't. neither do I. All I know is if a team is dropping salary and "rebuilding" this is how it works.

There is no such thing as a quick fix rebuild. Doesn't happen that way. Never has.

[geo]

flasher boyle was free agent to but not worth almost 7 mil prospal just as good 4 mil might have been cheap is brad worth 7.8 dump feaster now

[Nate Dogg]

As for Boyler's contract...I think if it were 5/$30 million, everybody including myself would be praising Feaster's name...$40 million is a bit too much.

However, that being said, at least there are some scenarios that if Boyle's contract really kills us in 4 years, his NTC isn't like the typical NTC. We'd at least have some flexibility on him while he may no longer being playing his worth at the end of his contract.

[boltflasher]

FYI, Picard was the 2nd leading scorer for the Philly Phantoms in the AHL, not bad for a defenseman, eh? The Bolts have nothing like this in the minors or on the horizon...

[Lisa]

You can bet that we had better deals coming our way, but they may have actually cost some money, so we wouldn't take a younger talent that had time on his contract. We had to take someone who will be a RFA after this season, and who may be a #6 defensman at some point in his career. Wow.

[BoycottingBolts]

FEASTER HAS GOT TO BE THE DUMBEST GUY ON EARTH. RICHARDS SHOULD BE GONE. PROSPAL IS HAVING A CAREER HIGH SEASON, FEASTER IS NUTS TO GET RID OF HIM. PROSPAL WAS A PERSONAL FAVORITE OF MINE, AND QUITE FRANKLY, I AM VERY MAD AT THE THOUGHT OF HIM BEING GONE. THANKFULLY, NEXT WEEK I AM GOING TO THE PHILLY GAME SO I CAN CHEER HIM ON THERE. FEASTER WILL REGRET THIS MOVE. PROSPAL WAS WORTH MORE THAN THIS NOBODY WE RECEIVED. MAYBE WE CAN GET PROSPAL BACK IN THE OFF SEASON...THAT'S MY HOPE.

[Lisa]

Picard is also a horrible defenseman from everything I have read. He is another offensive defenseman that can't play defense. With our goalie situation, do we really need another defenseman who is lost in the defensive zone and won't hit a body?

[boltflasher]

Lisa, the BOLTS have NO defenseman they can call up from the minors in a pinch...nothing, nada, and yes, you CAN blame Feaster for that....also, the guy is only 21 and already has played a year at the NHL level, not too many defenseman including the Chelioses, Charas, and Hall of Famers can claim that...

[BringBackProspal]

Prospal is so much better than Richards, yet Richards is so highly regarded by Feaster so he stays. Feaster and Torts are the ones who should be going bye bye. Prospal is our second best player this year besides V4. I am just in shock and going to the games is not going to be the same for me anymore. I liked Prospal, a lot. He has a lot of potential and is a valuable player. We get some no namer in return for him. Thats just BULL

[Patrick]

boltflasher,

At first Picard sounded intriguing to me. Then I noticed he was drafted in 2003. It's been 5 years and he has yet to stick with the flyers. Now it sounds like he's figured out how to succeed in the minors, but is he NHL ready after 5 years? I guess we will see if he makes our lineup next year. If not, he sounds like he might be an aleexev, or an Andy Rogers, etc.

I like the pick. The only issue I have with the trade is that it did not address the lack of secondary scoring at forward. And we've signed Dan Boyle to a massive contract, so it doesn't look like we'll be trading him. That just leaves richards... Is Richards gonna bring us an entire second line?

Any it doesn't look like there is much help at wing in free agency this year. The best thing I saw was Ryan Malone.

[Not The Marlboro Man]

The St. louis Blues were able to get allot more out of Atlanta last seasom(Metropolit and a 1st and 3rd round pick). Heck, Keith Tkachuk's numbers weren't even as good as Prospals are this season. Feaster could have at least got a number #1 pick from some team. Oh, but it must have run into his beddy bye time after he stuffed himself on 5 gallons of Breyers again.

[boltflasher]

Where have all of these Prospal lovers come from all of a sudden? Again, I repeat, Prospal was a free agent and was leaving in a month...what planet have you guys been on for the last month as this site discussed this?

[Top-Shelf Short-Side]

Now trade Kuba and free up the 2.8 mil to keep Richards... then done.

[boltflasher]

For all of you Prospal lovers, check his stats following his previous free agent year in Anaheim...what a bust! What was it, 12 goals playing on a line with Selanne? They couldn't wait for him to leave there...Stop judging him by his stats during his free agent years,...they are his only good years...

[Patrick]

To those discrediting themselves as hockey fans - Prospal is good, but he's not better than Richards.

Prospal has only 6 more points than Richards after playing with Vinny all year? And have you ever heard Brad whining about not getting to play with Marty like Prospal did? Not exactly the best teammate... I'm sure it made the guys he was skating with at the time feel real good about themselves.

[ajax]

New guy, Tom. Deep man, deep. We have to build thru free agency out of necessity. Trades are far and few because of cap, yet this is our only hope. Everyone wants a "Mark Cuban" because every phase of our organization is down down down. I feel good about these first steps. The flipside was let Boyle go and keep Brad? Feaster would of needed a bulletproof Benz!!This scenario isn't perfect, but suits me just fine. Prospal will want 3+ million, and gang, he will miss Marty and Vinny more than they will miss him, guarantee. I expect to see VL4 pound him in a couple of weeks, payback for all the non-passes. He wore his selfishness so clearly on his sleeve. Good move to let him fly. Tomorrow is the main course. Dessert was tonight and I for one think Danny Boyle is a helluva hockey player.

[boltflasher]

Good comment Ajax for these novices on here tonight...

[Mike]

This is absolutely ridiculous. At least when they traded Freddy Modin they THOUGHT they were getting something in return for a 30 goal scorer. A MINOR LEAGUE DEFENSEMEN? IS FEASTER KIDDING?

Ridiculous.

[Nate Dogg]

Haha, as you say Ajax, tomorrow will be like waking up on Christmas morning

I've spent one too many hours on this blog today. However, there were some great discussions started/still going and tomorrow will hopefully end up being a lot of fun to wake up to.

Until tomorrow. Here's dreaming of landing Stamkos with the 1st pick this summer.
Nate Dogg

[boltflasher]

I repeat my post from a few minutes ago...For all of you Prospal lovers, check his stats following his previous free agent year in Anaheim...what a bust! What was it, 12 goals playing on a line with Selanne? They couldn't wait for him to leave there...Stop judging him by his stats during his free agent years,...they are his only good years...

[Mike]

Ajax, I agree that Prospal isn't the best teammate in the world, and it's clear that he thrived only because of Marty and Vinny. That being said, there's no discounting his ability to score, especially in regards to how much talk there's been about Brad's problem being a lack of linemates. And then on a business level, you have to agree that we could have gotten more than a draft pick and a minor leaguer for him.

[Buona sera]

No Team, that wants to have a strong finish THIS season will give up players they need to win NOW....
So how can you expect top players for Prospal or Richards at that time...???
Prospal was gone...if not he would have resigned like Boyle....
If you want big for Richards...you should wait after the season, if not take less...
Lisa...can respect your love for 20...but the young Picard is not a bag of pucks or a "garbage" like you said...nice welcome to that young man...
Also everybody knows that 20 has only been traded because he wasn't interested in coming back next season...It's strictly business...not a choice between him and Richards, c'mon...
And Richards will go, now or later, because they need his salary to pay Boyle from next season...also business...
Boyle will be the next target of frustrated bloggers... cause that team is NOT going to improve in the next 2 years....

[Not The Marlboro Man]

With the tommorrows conclussion of the trade deadline. If the Lightning haven't traded Brad Richards, where is the money going to come from this summer to aquire anyone if the self imposed salary cap is going to be 38-42 million as some sources say. Now since the Lightning have signed Boyle they are close to 50 million salary cap if they keep everyone in place. I don't understand the reasoning behind the signing of Boyle for 6.6 mil and then wanting to spend big money for a #1 goal tender. Then they want to sign V4 to a contract similar to what Ovechkin has I presume. I will now think it as hysterically funny if Brad Richards refuses to waive his no trade clause. I hope I'm in a bar... half lit when I hear it.

[boltflasher]

No Mike, Prospal was a FREE AGENT, you can not get much for them on a month's rental...even with 30 goals...and again...For all of you Prospal lovers, check his stats following his previous free agent year in Anaheim...what a bust! What was it, 12 goals playing on a line with Selanne? They couldn't wait for him to leave there...Stop judging him by his stats during his free agent years,...they are his only good years...

[Lisa]

I know that Prospal was an UFA and that we had to move him. But considering how few goal scorers were available and how much was given out last year for rentals, I am disappointed to be getting close to nothing in return. I honestly think they looked at the cheapest deal salary wise and took that. And he is a RFA next season.

[Mike]

The rumour on Brad is that he'll waive for Dallas, Vancouver, or Columbus. Dallas is talking about sending us a deal with their young goalie Mike Smith, the others don't name any names.

[FEASTERsucks]

PROSPAL HAS BEEN THE ONLY ONE TO TELL HOW HE REALLY FEELS TO THE WORLD. HE STANDS UP FOR HIMSELF. HE DESERVES A BETTER TEAM ANYHOW, I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY, BUT HE DOESNT NEED TO STAY HERE WITH WHINY OL' TORTS, WHOSE GOT FEASTER WRAPPED AROUND HIS LITTLE FINGER. I AGREE WITH WHAT SOMEONE ELSE PREVIOUSLY POSTED....IT'S A CONSPIRACY--TORTS HAD A TEMPER TANTRUM AND WENT WHINING TO FEASTER AND THEY BOTH, IN TURN, CONSPIRED AGAINST PROSPAL. IT'S SICKENING.

LIKE I SAID, PROSPAL DESERVES BETTER AS MUCH AS WE WILL MISS HIM...

[Mike]

I know he was a free agent, I know he frequently underperforms, etc, but as Lisa said, you could have gotten more for him than some conditional talent. Just look at past trade deadlines (Biron?)

[BanishBrad]

Brad had better be traded tomorrow, or else I am going to be one VERY unhappy Bolts fan.

[Nate Dogg]

By the way, Ajax...what are you naming yourself after?

Soap? The soccer club?

[FatFeaster]

The Flyers probably threw some food in front of Feaster while presenting this deal

[Mike]

The Greek mythical character?

[boltflasher]

Lisa, I do agree with you that ALL of this is frustrating and I DO blame Feaster and PSE for getting into this mess...but we in order to fix it we need Boyle, some minor league depth, and some money for a goaltender. The Bolts could not win by keeping Boyle and Richards or the entire Fantastic 4 without some decent goaltending. The Bolts have the LOWEST save percentage in the league. You can not win in this league with that even with 2 Vinnys, Marty, Brad, and Dan. Picard was drafted as a TEEN in 2004, that was not 5 years ago....he's in only his 2nd year with the AHL..go check it out on the Phantoms web page.http://www.phantomshockey.com/numbers/teamstatistics.asp

[Herb]

I agree that Prospal was gone but Picard and a 3rd round pick in '09 is a complete joke. Just what this team needs is yet another NON-PHYSICAL D-man. This team needs at least 1 D-man that will keep opposing forwards with their head up so they know that they could be hit. IMO Picard seems to be another soft, poke-checking D-Man and the Bolts don't have enough of them already? I bet another team would have offered more. I am not disputing that Prospal was going to be traded.

[Mike]

"I bet another team would have offered more. I am not disputing that Prospal was going to be traded."

Exactly. That's my problem with this trade.

[Lisa]

Sorry for calling him garbage. Just very disappointed with what we got back. Yes, I know we were going to trade Prospal, but if this is all that we were getting, why not wait another day and see if someone would give more as the deadline approached?

I sincerly doubt that this is the best we could do when you consider that the best available offensive talent was Richards, Jokinen, Hossa and Prospal. I will be curious to see what others get, and if the Isles get more for Fedotenko, I will say that Feaster failed in this trade.

[Lisa]

Boltflasher, I understand we couldn't win the way things were. I understand we have to trade Richards and we had to trade Prospal. But what I am disputing is what we got in return. I think that you if you don't have any good deals, you wait until closer to the trade deadline. I doubt he could have gotten a much worse deal if this one fell through.

We do not need another offensive defenseman who does not get physical. we need a shut down, defensive defenseman. From everything I have read about Picard, he is completely lost in the defensive zone. Not what we need.

[boltflasher]

What better players were offered by other teams for Prospal? Only the Bolts, Kings and Leafs are out of the hunt. More teams are in position to make the playoffs this year than last and they are reluctant to cough up front line players for UFAs. I was surprised that they were able to get the Phantoms top player...this guy is much better than anything the Bolts have in the minors (until this year's draft...)

[boltflasher]

Uh, people, please don't put Prospal in the same sentence as Hossa, Jokinen or Richards...not even close in talent...Compare Prospal stats to Richards lifetime, not even close...You have to look at the whole thing not what someone did in a free agent year...

[As Reality Sets In]

Nobody knows what Picard and the pick will amount to. Check the link L rod posted. These kids are drafted at 17, 18,19 Who knows what they will turn out to become. This guy (picard) was a 3rd rounder. So was 5 time Norris winner Lidstrom. Boyle was undrafted. So was St Louis. It'll take a year or 3 before we know what we really have.

That is the reality of rebuilding.

Personally I think we did ok. 2nd or 3rd rounder and a prospect who was an AHL all star this season, the teams 2nd highest scorer as a d-man, and he has some NHL experience. For a rental player? I'll take it and run.

[boltflasher]

ESPN reports Dallas has current inside track on Richards with Chicago and Columbus knocking on the door. If Dallas, I hope it includes Mike Smith. He could start right away for the remainder of the season and allow Bolts to evaluate whether they need to go for a free agent goalie or not in the summer...

[pal]

TSN says the Dallas offer for Richards includes Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern, Jussi Jokinen and Mark Fistric. That would be a pretty solid haul.

[Mike]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/nhl_experts/post/Stars-reaching-for-Richards-Habs-zero-in-on-Hos;_ylt=Aog_mLr1F6j821D3EXm6rLR7vLYF?urn=nhl,68602

Yahoo reports Dallas essentially has signed Brad.

[Mike]

"The source said Dallas is expected to package veteran checking center Jeff Halpern, backup goalie Mike Smith and young defenseman Mark Fistric to the Lightning"

[f. chum buddy]

I don't like that deal nearly as much without Jussi Jokinen included, unless they're tossing in a 1st or 2nd round pick as well.

Wow, ANOTHER young defenseman...we sure don't have many of those in the system. No scoring wingers? Eh, we can just trade away premium picks and hope we grow one eventually.

Love how people are excited over a backup goalie in a defensive oriented team. Yeah, he'd be just as stellar here for sure.

[Another Joe]

The team is in last place. Changes are needed to rebuild. I am still holding out hope that we can keep Richards but that seems doubtful. We need to get three NHL players and a 1st or 2nd round draft pick!

[Mike]

This of course has yet to be reported by TSN, which is a much more reliable source than Yahoo. Also, the article clearly states that this has not officially happened yet.

[Nils]

Some of you can't do math, either the old math with cheapskate PSE or the new math with tightwad fantasy boy.

Lisa, wiggy, and Mike are absolutely correct in that the Bolts rejected better offers for Prospal because of salaries involved. If you don't believe this you are really not attuned to what is taking place.

One thing for sure: Koules will have a more difficult time in obtain ing a loan for a diminishing asset, The land is not worth as much as it was in August. He can't show projected income from making the playoffs.

He can, however, show projected income from increased ticket prices. Next season we will be paying more to witness a poorer product. The future of V4 truly is in limbo.

[Brad's Agent]

I'm not allowed to comment on unannounced trades but I will say for the third time that my client should be in a city with a large arch by nightfall.

[Jeep (Since someone else is already Eric)]

Is anyone buying this Brad's Agent guy?

[Casper]

Whoa, and a good top o' the morning to DFB. Hope we get 27 minutes production out of Boyle in 21 min/p.g. average. No need to burn him out and turn his legs 40 before his body is 37. But who listens to me? More balanced minutes for everybody should be on tap, hopefully with the new regime.

Alas, and bon chance 'Vaclav the Streaky'. The Wonderful World of Lecavalier took a shot in the gibs last night. The occasional shift he takes off will become more noticable with V20 gone.
More pressure too, if Goldenboy is gone by 3pm but I seriously doubt that. The script for imploding this club mandates careless fiscal responsibility and giving Brad yet another shot at [choke] $95G per game. Other GM's love to hold that boot on our neck.

Whatzis? Columbus recoiled at our rebuke of their weak offer? Good for you Jay, stand 'em up and demand Klesa, Brassard ($1.2M by the way, and more promise than Picard---I like what I've read so far, comparing to Kuba or a dime store Pitkanen---OUT! GET HIM OUT!!) and 2 number ones in '09-'10 for Brad and Picard. Yeah, flip him to sweeten the deal for Brad with Columbus and get solid help. Irony would be to flip Filip for offense today or in July. Or talk to Big D; Halperin and his solid work ethic with Captaincy capabilities, Smith ('nother goalie? Helps the summer package for swapping---"Say, uh, would you take Smith, Holmqvist, and Denis for Bryzgalov? Please?"), and others/picks would fix a lot of ills.

Fire sale time means we won't fix all our ills, it's just an opportunity to address the most glaring issues; Cap room, weak-sister defense, minor league and future development. The other biggies, Goal tending and scoring muscle will have to wait for the summer swap meet. All this after my Haitian girlfriend puts a mojo on Koules and a new suitor comes to town. Going to have to fling some darts at Bettman too because we don't need ownership histrionics defecating on another season.

I honestly respected the on-ice achievements of Bill Barber. Tough and a great guy to have on your club. But it's high time for Billy, Feastie and all the other Flyer wretched refuse to vamoose from this melange. We can't call ourselves an 'organization' until the 'special bus' is full and headed north on I-75.

Have a nice day.

[Casper]

Just read that yahoo link about Big D wanting Richards. HE'S the one Hull was watching? And still wants him? They'll be calling for Bret's head before too long... Richards would be a terrific fit to that community. It would be a good thing for all.

Getting Halpern for Brad would be so prophetic and reverse much weakness and slack work ethic. He ain't a scorer, but we would become tougher to play against. A Smith/Ramo tandem exites me more than a Ramo/Schaefer tandem.
Anybody know if this big body Fistric is a hitter? Could we squeeze a teeny pick from them too?
Can we sweaten the deal with some more of our chum and make it a full blown blockbuster--- to help them in their playoff run and us in the long run, for a change??

Questions, questions, questions...

Hope Jay enjoys his breakfast; I swapped the Corn Flakes for Wheaties. Go get 'em, boy!

[C]

sweatin? I must've meant Splenda or somesuch....Wake up!!

[Not The Marlboro Man]

I was calling for Prospal to be traded last season. Since they found it in their mind to keep him when he sucked and traded him when he was scoring, it just shows you Feaster and company are idiots. A 30 goal scorer should have at least commanded a 1st round pick. Philadelphia was on the ropes and in dire straight with injuries. They would have dealt more to get Prospal. The problem is we have a big fat pretender as a GM. I don't understand the whole hoarding of prospective defenseman thing. He treats defenseman like a commodity. Feaster is like a hobo collecting cigarette butts, he figures if he gets enough of them he might be able to make one cigarette.

[Mullet]

It appears that the team is looking to rebuild the defense here. Goal scoring is great, but if you don't have a defense in front of the goal, then it's a field day for the other team. We have good goaltending as long as the defense is supporting it.

I liked V20, but I don't think he really wanted to be here. Maybe his good year was his way to position himself for a better trade with a different team. His comments directed at Tort really seem to reinforce this in my mind.

I still think Kuba will be going today. Kuba will be another "Tort give away" because it doesn't take a rocket engineer to see the friction there.

Richards has to go to make room for the Boyle deal. I am happy to see Danny stay here, but I think we could have gone a little lower with the cash. The Lightning wanted him to stay and he knew it. Cannot blame him for his deal.

[ajax]

Brad is gone!!!! I always thought he was gone, or at least rarely showed up. My goal for the rest of the year is to never type his name. If the Dallas deal is for real, another big step forward for this franchise. Time of course will tell but I like our future alot better than yesterday. Isn't that the definition of success? Let's hope no strings attached to Dallas deal. jr, I drink coca-cola by the way.

[Moe Loogham]

Remember that after the Montreal game and the "up somebody's butt" remark, VinnyP met with Feaster and Torts for 25 minutes. One can easily conclude each side laid it all out on the table and the decision to move Prospal was mutual. Supply and Demand. Fact is that whatever offers Feaster considered for V20 are unknown. Unless someone offers something we want (and a big salary hit is not one), the Bolts are on the short side of the Supply/Demand equation when it comes to Prospal--a weak team with ownership flux that needs to shed salary. Bottom line, YES: this was the best we could do, and I am OK with it. Now move on to today's announcement that Brad is no longer a Bolt...

[Patricia]

This was a bad trade. How do you trade V20 when he is having the best year in his career. He is an awesome player. He is unstopable with vinny4 and marty. This was a terrible trade on feaster. What the hell is he thinking??? This team is just getting worse and worse. How do they expect there fans to stand by them and go to these games if they are going to make stupid decisions. I hope this trade comes back to bite him in the as-, just like the Denis trade! Feaster, you suck!

[Not The Marlboro Man]

I don't care if the Bolts get 113 prospective defensemen, its not going to change the fact that the defense will suck until they change the way they play it. The Bolts will continue the downward spiral until Tortarella and Feaster depart, hopefully at the same time. A goal tender is most definately needed if the Bolts continue to play the defensive scheme they play because Tortarella will admonish him and chastise him because he can't stop a 90 MPH shot from the slot by Alex Ovechkin. Then afterwards he will sit them on the bench and ruin their confidence, then he'll send them packing like John Graham, Marc Denis and Johan Holmqvist. Or, Torts will make it where they wouldn't won't play here like Nickolai Khabibulin. Sure we need defensemen...experienced ones that can play the fast shoot and pinch game Torts is so fond of. But why is when Fester and Barber go looking for defensemen they always seem to get ones that play on a trapping team? Wenever a defenseman comes to Tampa suddely we are stuck with another stick checking turd that can't clear the zone if had to. How long must it take to rebuild a broken defense? It seems to me we should have been done by now if they would have brought in just one reliable veteran besides Boyle or Kuba. Shane O'brien is notthe answer and neither is anyone else on this team when it comes to defense. So what does Feaster do about rebuilding the defense... he stacks the outhouse with more inexperienced turds. That's why they can't hold a lead in the third period. Thats why next season unless they bring in one or two experienced defensive veterans they will continue to blow leads. If you look at the UFA list for next season, there ain't much there for the kind of money the Bolts are going to have after Feaster gets through hornswoggling everyone.

[ajax]

ajax, my grandfather from Poland always called me "ajax" but would never tell me what it meant, so I did some investigating last year. It is derived from the Polish phrase, "hockey idiot"

[ByeByeBrad]

Richards to Dallas---WooHOO!!

Yahoosports.

[Lisa]

If you trade for a defenseman, get one that can play. Just some intersting stats: Picard +/- for last season with flyers: 72 games player: -24: Lundin (a rookie): 62 games played: +3, O'Brien: 142 games played -4 (-1 for this season), Ranger: 209 games played: +4.

Picard doesn't look that good, does he? Not much of a pick up in my books. I realise that +/- doesn't tell the whole story, and the top defensive guys play against the top lines, but this guy wasn't a top defensive guy and did not play the top lines. So the people that complain about Rangers or OB's or Lundin's mistakes: imagine what we would have to complain about with Picard.

[FireFeaster]

Good Point Lisa!

We got the short end of the stick on this trade...unfortunately.
We might think that the trade is great now, but we will miss Prospal more than we think, later on.

[keith]

Ajax....two good blogs. Agree whole heartedly with the one way up the page and the last one gave me a laugh. There may be many, many others that mean the same as the Polish translation!!!
Cant wait to see whattranspires today.
Looking at the times, geez, dont some of you guys ever sleep?
If Richie does go, I'll be glad to get back to reading the TBL blog again instead of the Brad Richards Pinata blog!!!!

[Lisa]

Yes, we definately got the short end of the stick. And looking at what is being discussed for Hossa is making me sick. I realise Prospal and Hossa are not worth the same amount, but if we waited and Ottowa picked up Hossa, Montreal may have been willing to give a bit more to us so they could improve their team. But no, we had to trade him last night for a player that will make critics of Ranger and OBrien appreciate them.

One last comment: to the poster that wrote about making Halpern the Captain: you make Vinny the Captain, not some 3rd liner who just arrives on the team. You need to improve morale, and giving the captaincy to Halpern would be could be enough to drive away Vinny and split the team even further.

I was hoping we would be getting some young players that could use Vinny's leadership, but it looks like we will be getting players that will be in NOrlfolk or old men who are washed up. Lovely.

[Patrick]

Richards for Halpern, Fistric and Smith? That deal is really sounding like crap to me.

I don't know much about Mike Smith, but looking at his career stats, he's 26 and has played 40+ games over two seasons at dallas? His stats look good over that time, but that's not much of a test... dallas is a pretty good team, no?

Here is the only scouting report I can find on him:

Assets:
Has a huge frame, which helps him cover up most of the net. Doesn't usually hurt himself, or his team, by letting in soft goals.

Flaws:
Is still somewhat raw and needs to improve his coordination and flexibility. Doesn't own enough puck-stopping ability to be considered a future starter.

Career potential:
No. 2 goaltender.

Fistric, another young defensemen. Halpern? ANOTHER checking forward.

I would have thought the key of this deal was the goaltender, but he doesn't seem that proven. If this deal happens, I'd say Brett Hull is working our GM over. But Duemig was saying that's what happens when the owner demands a trade and then advertises that fact.

We are getting royally screwed over if this trade happens, even if half the people on this blog aren't aware of it. In probably 2 years, the Richards haters are gonna be dreaming of the good ole days when he wouldn't throw a check but would get 70 points when paired with grinders.

So Prospal and Richards will both be gone and we won't have a single offensive forward to show for it. We'll go from four top-six forwards to two. No one else has a problem with that?

At the moment, I guess the Richards haters are too overjoyed to even think about it. After this deal, we'll have THREE checking lines. We won't even have enough scoring forwards to fill out 2 power play lines.

[boltflasher]

In a non-free agent year, I agree a 30 goal scorer should net a 1st round pick, but not when there is only a month to go till free agency. What would you think if the Bolts gave up their 1st round pick (which might be Stamkos) to Atl for Hossa??? In a month, the Bolts would be without both Hossa and the 1st round pick...Some of you people are just not thinking...all you can see is Prospals "30" goals which are meaningless when you are losing him in a month and you're in last place...By the way, speaking of Hossa, Atl's best offer for him so far is Ryder from Montreal....not exactly an even up there either...again, Hossa is a 1 month + post season rental. You don't get much for those. Picard AND a possible 2nd round pick is better than Michael Ryder...
Also, look what happened to Buffalo when they tried to get even up deals on to Briere and Drury last year. They lost both of them and got NOTHING in return...Think people think...

[Not The Marlboro Man]

Its obvious that Halpern will be the replacement for Gratton who is probably the next contestant to ride the Feaster express out of Tampa. Feaster loves filling a team with checking liners and inexperienced d-men, Fistric fits the inexperienced d-man catagory.

[Lisa]

Ottowa is talking about Vermette + 2 other NHL ready players for Hossa. Much better return than we will get for Richards or even close to the Flyers deal. Sure, there is only a month left to the season, but teams that think they need that little bit more scoring to make a run for the cup will be giving away valuable prospects. Not some -24 defenseman.

[boltflasher]

There have been two Dallas deals reported, one included Jokinen and one didn't...Clearly, if the deal includes Jokinen, its a good haul as posted earlier. If it doesn't include Jokinen, then, yes, not a great deal and very risky...

[Casper]

After meandering around looking at the Dallas proposal, I have to conclude that it is too good to be true. Especially if only that paragon of credibility, Yahoo, has the only mention of thus.

We need Captain-in-waiting Halpern too much---so we can't have him. Mike Smith is a big guy (not unlike Leo's Kid) with concussion history and huge potential. Fistric is a big guy reminding me of reading about and seeing young Kyle McLaren years ago. Add a pick and yes, it can never happen. Too good for us and impossible for Jay to pull off.

What we really could use is a bona fide defensive coach to roll up all these cigarette butts into one fine Cuban stogie (Loved that analogy, BTW). Goalies will instantly get better, and sniper shopping can come this summer. Norfolk picked up a couple of kids that look sick of the bus rides, so let's have a big, fair camp in Sept.

Yeah, got work to do and will check back later, hoping Brad has packed up and gone. Better off and all the best to everyone concerned.

[boltflasher]

Lisa, Vermette has a whopping 14 goals, his best effort yet...in exchange for Hossa?...not exactly even up there either....Ryder has had at least 1 20 goal season and is better than Vermette....Who's the other 2 roster players...fodder off of the 4th line and no draft pick? Atl's minors are as bad as the Bolts....

[Lisa]

boltflasher, it is still better than a defensman that was -24 last year. If you complain about the mistakes that OB and Ranger and Lundin make, imagine having a defenseman that in 60+ games managed to have a -24. And the 3rd round pick next year (not this draft) is completely hit or miss. I would rather have Vermette or even Ryder (who is having a bad season, but had 2 30 goal season previously) than a 3rd round pick for the 2009 draft and a defenseman who is a liability.

[Jonathan]

*I love this deal: If Vinny was going to resign here, he can do it again at the end of the season. At least right now we are giving him a run at the cup. If we were not going to resign anyway, then I dont think we have really lost. I like Picard. I understand he doesnt have 300 games of experience, but it is nice that Philly brought him along slowly and developed him. WE CANT DO THIS IN OUR SYSTEM. I almost wish we could have had them develop him until the end of the season. The big ? here is can he challenge our current guys like Smaby for a spot next season. If this isnt the goal, then maybe it's not a good move.
Also, the 2009 draft is supposed to be just as deep as this one, for what its worth.

*I dont like this deal at all: I understand Vinny is a rental player, but who is out there? Hossa? Its not like waiting one more day would hav hurt the deal. And if it was going to, that means Philly was just baiting us. Im not saying we needed Briere, and I wouldnt want him, but certainly a 1st or 2nd round pick in this year's draft along with the defenseman would not have been a deal-breaker.

I would rather see Tortarela go instead of Richards, Prospal and Holmquist. This year was ridiculous. The numbers never supported hime EVER starting ramo, the way he brought back back Boyle only to have him injured again and the fact that he has some of the best offensive talent and he cant even get a winning streak going - Please let then check in their own Zone Torterala -in my book, he should be fired. Way to go, thanks for breaking up a great team. Now Please leave Tampa!

[weezer]

Johnathan, you need a reality check buddy. Smaby? Picard? What's in your pipe, dude??