Artyukhin proposes two-year deal

Mark Gandler, the agent for Russian power forward Evgeny Artyukhin, said Friday he has sent the Lightning a proposal for a two-year deal to prove to the Lightning his client is committed to the team. If you remember the past two years of contract squabbles that led Artyukhin, drafted 94th overall in 2001, to play the past two seasons in Russia and last year demand a trade, Tampa Bay was critical of Artyukhin's commitment.

But as Gandler said, "Arty is committed to the team. We made a proposal, and it's for two years, because we don't want to be judged as he's a transient player. We want some permanency there."

Gandler would not go into specifics about the terms of the deal, but considering he and the 6-foot-4, 254-pound Artyukhin asked for $1-million previously, it seems a good bet they are asking for the same amount in each of the two seasons. Asked if the two sides could overcome the acrimony of the past two seasons, Gandler said, "I hope we would be past that."

Gandler said the Lightning made the first move by contacting him. Now he is waiting to hear back from Lightning GM Jay Feaster. Tampa Bay has declined to comment.

"For me, I believe in the right circumstance, his future, his talent, is best served in the National Hockey League," Gandler said. "His size and skating ability make him a package that is best served by him playing in the National Hockey League. It's going to be a package they are very happy with."

Gandler said Artyukhin, who is playing for the Russian national team, would not be affected by the lack of a transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia because his contract in Russia has played out.

    

Comments

[GP]

Leo,

I'd rather play the Rangers than play the Pens or the Habs.

Reason: Rivalry.

[ajax]

Leo, strawberry fields forever, sff??
But, by your blogs about Hab superiority I know you must be very young( and unsavy), so maybe not the Beatles ey?

[léo]

GP,
It said "small organized bands of vandals and arsonists", not habfans. If you want to put them all in the same basket, there's nothing I can say to make you change your mind.
The truth is, some idiots take advantage of mob-cover to go through with their stupidities, such as it was in 86 and 93, when vandalizing and looting went rampant. Those were criminals, CH jersey on or not.
I was in France in 98, when We won the World Cup. Neo-nazis thronged into France to take advantage of mob-cover...not to root for any specific team. They attacked minorities and even clubbed a cop! to death. That's what idiots like that do, GP.
As for Philly and NY...well, your commitment towards your team honors you. But verily, it has pulled the wool in front of your eyes. NY would chew you up and spit you out but hey,
Maybe I'm wrong.
Start by disposing of the Cappers tonight.
Then we can talk.
Peace.
12 to 25
sff

[GP]

Leo,

So much for your polite Habs fans you've been telling us so much about.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/15450-Arson-vandalism-targeting-police-spoil-Montreal-hockey-victory-celebration.html

To think Flyers fans get a bad wrap.

[GP]

Leo,

I disagree with your coaching comment. This is the one time of year where coaching matters most. A timely timeout, line matchups, scratches, in game adjustments ... all of these things are more important in the playoffs. John Stevens could have been more assertive in making subtle changes instead of coming a the Caps with exactly the same gameplan. Bruce Boudreau has made the adjustments and look at where the momentum is now.

I've never been sold on Biron. The problem is, there are only like 8 goalies in the league who you wouldn't be worried about.

The entire Rangers team is better? Hmmm .... I don't think so. I think they are pretty even. I'm not sold on the Rangers yet. Lundy better pitch shutouts against the Pens or else they will get worked.

[léo]

Goodness to Betsy, Miss Lée, I did not mean to offend.
*burp*

[lée]

I toooooold you about Biron. That's all it comes down to, GP. Doesn't matter if you got the worst coach in the world if you got a brick wall in front of your net.
Thing with Huey is,
If his morale is properly a-tuned, brick wall. Magic Man.
Pressure that calls to him? SOMETIMES he breaks. Sometimes. Which is why Gainey did what he did.
But Biron was, is and will forever be a Solid Average goalie. You better have a formation like Osgood had when he got his ring, cuz you ain't ever going anywhere without. Not with Biron. And that's it.
Lundquist is significantly better...and so is the whole team before him. So that's that.
Go Philly!
sff

[GP]

Leo,

I see you have become a Flyers fan after all .. ha ha.

I'm not feeling so confident for game 7. Terrible coaching job. No adjustments whatsoever and the Caps are only playing marginally better. The Flyers are not taking guys out along the boards and the Semins, Kozlovs, and Federov's of the world are skating figure eights untouched until they find someone open. Biron is not making the game saving save either. I worried about tomorrow night. I've said it all along .... it does not seem the Flyers are ready for that next step yet. It pains me to say that but I can't be unbalanced in my opinion.

[léo]

Workin' Ajax; thank GOSH I didn't see game6! I don't want exciting; I want victory.
But I was eating the pie, mate. I was humbled and I was scared. I would have said so but...workin'.
Not trying to dodge the bullet. Like I said, Boston, Julien, I applaud you. Wow. GREAT job neutralizing Us. So much so, that I can't even EXPLAIN game 7.
That's how much Boston scared me.
Woof!
sff

[GP]

Boltflasher,

Agree with your assessment of Another Joe's lines. We are in real trouble if those guys are getting major minutes. A few injuries and we have exactly what we had this past year ... those guys playing major minutes. I've said it before that they should be our front line callups from the AHL.

Tarnasky as a protector? I admire the start of the convo Another Joe but Tarnasky belongs in the AHL and maybe even the ECHL. Feaster proclaimed him a future power forward ... hmmm. I like Tarns and I admire his heart but he is overmatched as a protector. There should be quite a few enforcers out there this offseason .... it seems that you can always find one. Too bad it won't be Roy.

A question for everyone .... if Koules gets control of the team in the next few weeks .... is Torts a goner? Feaster? Maybe we will see Roy again.

[ajax]

MIA Leo? Man I couldn't believe you dissappeaered after two rocky outings, I expected a more fiesty Leo than ever, maybe a thin slice of humble pie was on the menu after all? Congrats!!!
RATS!!!!

[léo]

I would like to forego any form of subtle grandstanding on my part and take a moment to commend Claude Julien and his troop who never gave up, never stopped fighting and scared Us half to death.
Bravo Boston; you shocked Us with your combativity.
Hail the glorious dead.
Hail.
sff

[boltflasher]

If MacDonald, Darche, Tarnasky, and Lessard make up the majority of our 3 and 4 lines (again) this next season, then we did not do much during the offseason and will finish last again...OK, then we can go after that huge Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman, 6' 7" 225 lbs, that is now ranked by some ahead of Tavares

[Mike13]

Here's hoping that if we can't compete for the cup next year (which I agree, we can't) --here's hoping that we land Tavares! 6th or 15th. Nothing in between.

[Mike13]

I really like your 4th line there Another Joe. And I totally agree with Halpern on line 2 with Ouellett. Michel is an RW, so we're looking for 2 LW's that can play on the top 2 lines. Good luck finding those laying around this offseason. Especially if Feaster doesn't have access to the checkbook.

[Another Joe]

I agree we are probably at least one more year from being a cup contender. I do feel they will be back in the playoffs next year, and then go from there!

[ajax]

Another Joe, I can only hope you are right, but reality of ownership and payroll makes that scenario a zillion to one. And don't forget page two of the equation, need at least 3 to 3.5 million or more to bring in a good #2 Dman. (please no one tell me our D is set for next year. I live to close to the Skyway to accept that)
I promised no more Richards bashing so I want to make a point but will have to include Brad. Is that OK?
Dallas dominated Anaheim with Richards playing a secondary role. Their top forwards played not only consistently more minutes than Richards(he played 18 minutes a night) but Brad, who use to play 8 minutes a night on our PP barely got any PP time with Dallas. (that sure says an awful lot about our team, doesn't it folks??) On top of that Dallas was missing two of their top 4 Dmen and played 4 Dmen who were 24 years or younger against the defending cup champions. My point? Our Tampa Bay Lightning are not as close as some of you think to being a CUP Competitor. I think so many or our late season acquisitions really looked a step up because they came to a roster filled with non-NHL players. Hope I am wrong, but deep down the truth hurts, we are really more like 4-6 quality NHL players from the good ole days in Tampa Bay.

[Another Joe]

I was thinking this.

Free Agent-Lecavalier-St. Louis
Oullett-Halpern-Free Agent
Jokinen-Stamkos-Tarnasky
Darche-McDonald-Lessard

I was just thinking why put undue pressure on the kid to start. Give him a good winger Like Jussi and a tough guys like Tarnasky and put them on 3rd line to start season. Am i way off base? Just trying to start some convo.

[ajax]

The world is full of potential. Usually the word that is associated with it is "anticipointment". We've got the market cornered on those type guys. Why would he offer him anything more than before? Desperation? He wasn't a player then and isn't one now. If you are an extra in the Russian elite league you certainly will not be a contributor in the NHL. Broaden your horizons Jay and find some keepers that actually have shown they can play at this level. The other side of the ocean is scouted by every team in the league and your diamonds in the ruff(dogs) haven't been working out to well. Of course the free agents over here haven't worked out so well either (see Ward McDonald Darche Stewart) Wait a minute, maybe it is the guys picking all these bums that are so screwed up??

[Kyle]

Jokinen on the 3rd line? Who's your wingers on the 1st and 2nd lines?

Stamkos will probably be 2nd line center to start.

[Another Joe]

Id like to see Stamkos our 3rd line senter to start the year. Halpern as the 2nd line. They can always be moved around.. Dont put to much pressure on this kid year 1. Just go out and play hockey.

3rd line to start year.

Jokinen-Stamkos-Tarnasky(Stamnkos protector)

What you guys think?

[Stacey]

If we pick Stamkos, we are going to need tough dudes more than ever. Every guy in the league is going to be on that kid like a heat-seeking missile and we will need some REAL protection for him and our other skill players. We will have to be tougher and that's all there is to it. Sorry Torts, I know that will make you sad. Sign Arty. Give him another chance.

[keith]

Arty was a fan favorite, but checked more glass than the other team.Goalscorer? Not. He's trying to ride back into the league on the coat tails of the current Russian wunderkinds who are worthy of all the praise (and $). I agree, a two way 1-1.5 would be a decent "gamble" because that's what he would be straight off the plane. A gamble. Got to wonder too about a player and his agent who have "fought" with management with both the last teams he has played for now. Team player?
I think some shoppping around for a couple of proven D guys should be done first.
However, I will never forget Arty's scrap with Gratts at SPTF when he found a secondary use for his helmet!

I was one of the guys who thought Vinny and Marty made Prospal look good. I stand corrected based on Propsal's play off efforts and Vinny and Marty's last few weeks. Happy for the guy. Told Torts off, publicly, and now he's on a decent team.....still playing hockey.

[Patrick]

Turtle,

I like Prospal as well, but he has not shown consistency. He has a good year, followed by a disappointing year. His best years are in his contract years, so I would say we got the best of that deal, especially if the 3rd round pick is used well. Plus, his comments about torterella and who he plays with showed his me-first attitude.

[harvey]

Hey Turtle, thanks for understanding anything I say isn't personal. It's not!

Maybe Prospal wore out his welcome with me and whomever. I look at this in a money point of view. Can we afford 3.5 or 4 mil for this guy? I think not. Regardless of the circumstances.

I like Prospal. I like him a lot! But sheesh.....only so many dollars, so many players...

My opinion is can any team afford a top line of Vinny's 6.5, Marty's 5.whatever, and another 4 mil on top of that? Naw.....time for new blood.

You may think different and that's OK. Hell..,.we all have opinions. Considering what what was said and salary expectations I think it was in the best interest of JF to move him.

On a last note or 2. I like Prospal. Wish we could have kept him. Wasn't in the cards. He's gone and it is what it is. Time to regroup and I think we can fairly easily. I own no glasses. Rose colored or not. Just a few moves gets us back. Call me silly, it's OK.

This team isn't far from being competitive as most might think. Well......not as far as I think. (can't wait to hear crap about that!)

Turtle, let's forge ahead, hope for the best, and keep our fingers crossed.

[Voice of the Turtle]

Harvey:

Sorry about getting Picard's name wrong. He looks like a promising player.

Now, about Prospal who scored 32 goals last season, finished with nearly one point per game, and is among the leaders in scoring in the playoffs. If an accomplishment like that is not worth $3.5 million per annnum, what is?

I think Prospal wore out his welcome with two people: Tortorella and you. But, certainly not Marty and Vinny as the numbers clearly indicate.

[Elwood P. Dowd]

Oh hello harvey, didn't see you there. Let's meet down at Charlie's later for a martini, shall we? (wink, wink)

Roger that, can we get someone to pair up with Alex Picard? Actually, we need somebody on the ice with Boyle, to stay back and ensure Big Mike doesn't waft up to the blue line too.

Solution, Ryan Craig and the rights to Evgeny (Let Wayne try to do something with him.) for Nick Boynton and a fifth rounder next year. Oh come on, how loud would Phoenix laugh? We'll throw in Marc Denis, to show we're serious!! (With no Boynton and the Denis jonas, watch how fast Bryzgalov sucks...)

[harvey]

The stupid part is we're supposed to respond to talk of million$ going to a Russian dope who Torts will give how many minutes per game? Care to guess again?

Posted by: Elwood P. Dowd | April 20, 2008 at 09:42 PM

Elwood, where's Jake? I love the blues!!

Nothing has been offered at this point. No clue as to what might be offered, if anything. Chill everyone! This is a simple exercise in managing players in Lightning control. It's a necessary process and worthy of review. When a deal is done that you don't like ....... please feel free to make your case. Till then, understand what's happening here. Nothing!!

Take a deep breath, as armchair GM's we have all summer to evaluate any and all moves. Sit tight, it's bound to be interesting!

[harvey]

By the way, the d-man we got in that trade was Picard. I have no clue who Parent is. Might something I don't know.

[Elwood P. Dowd]

Oh, Torts will still be here all right. You can bet your hexed Bolt sweater on that.

The stupid part is we're supposed to respond to talk of million$ going to a Russian dope who Torts will give how many minutes per game? Care to guess again?

This whole notion is pulling one's rope.

Wake me when a real defenseman and a real defense coach gets off the plane.

[harvey]

turtle, I gotta ask ya, what would be your solution to that cluster %$#@? Forget the fact Prospal wore out his welcome here. What would do with him? It's been reported he wants 3.5 to 4 mil on his next deal. Who knows, he might get it. If you had control of this team do you pay him that to stay here?

Just wondering.

[Steve M]

He would fill a role for us. I think the 2yr/1.5 would work. How many decent size forwards do we have on the 3rd or 4th line that consistently hit people? Gratton (if resigned)? Tarnasky doesn't skate well enough to fill this role and Roy doesn't play enough. Fans of most other teams consider our forwards soft overall, and I can't agrue that, so 76 would fill a need. 76 is not an enforcer, though he can fight (just ask Gratton), so we still need someone in that role if Torts is still here (since Roy likely won't be back).

[boltflasher]

David G, Torts gets way too much credit for the Cup...try Dave Andreychuk.....Torts has shown a distinct inability to adjust his "system" defensively to the new rules and removal of 2 line passing infraction...

[olin]

I agree Harvey. If you've been watching the playoff's, it goes to another level as in physical play as we all know, compared to reg season stuff. We could surely use EA76 just for that reason. It would be a mess though if Tort's is still around. I say sign Arty, and bring in another coach who the player's can respect, and play hard for without dissesion in the rank's.

[David G]

How about a 2-way contract? Feaster be real here, Arty is good but NOT great. He has so much potential in this league but he needs to prove himself before he gets 2 million guaranteed. Let's be smart Bolts. Either a 2-way contract or go wayyyy cheaper! We don't need any locker room problems.

KEEP TORTS, BEST US-BORN COACH EVER!
Torts is awesome! He led us to a Stanley Cup! How about some loyalty fans??????

[Voice of the Turtle]

For those who still applaud Jay Feaster's suitability to serve in the capacity of General Manager and to those who insisted that Vaclav Prospal was a mere beneficiary of playing on a line with Vinny and Marty, please note that the ex-lightning left winger is second in both scoring and assists through this point in the playoffs.

With no slight to Parent who may turn into a top four defenseman, it seems fairly clear that Prospal would likely be signed for the 2008-09 campaign if it wasn't for that pampered and vindictive little psychopathic coach and the troglodytic GM who does his bidding.

Talk about him all you wish, but bear in mind that Artyukhin is a potential role player who will not produce meaningful impact upon the Lightning's fortunes. Meanwhile, the loss of Prospal dramatically reduced the effectiveness of one of the best lines in the NHL.

[boltflasher]

Great post Harvey!!

[harvey]

ajax, I'm not quite sure I understand the madness thing. It makes perfect sense to see where Arty and his agent are in respect to his salary expectations. The Lightning hold his rights through the upcoming season but after that they risk losing him for nothing. It would be madness not to explore the situation.

If he fits in the Lightning plan as far as team and salary, by all means sign him. If he doesn't, find out what he's looking for and move him while he can bring something in return. Hard to trade the guys rights to another team if they are unsure of what it will take to sign him.

If you mean madness as in paying the guy a mil per, then you would be correct. I believe he has a place on this team but not at that price. If salary is reasonable, sign him. If it's not, trade his rights to whoever offers the most in return. This team is in no position to lose players without first attempting to draw a return.

Who knows. Maybe JF has no intention of signing him. He wasn't very happy when Arty and/or his agent decided he would be better off playing in Russia. This could be nothing more than finding out what he wants in an effort to move his rights. Nobody will give up something for him unless they are comfortable with his salary expectations. Then again, he may really want to bring the guy back here.

There will be spots open on this team next season. It's likely Roy will be gone along with Karlsson and others. You have to wonder if they will keep Craig. I believe he's a RFA however in order to keep him they have to give him a qualifying offer which includes a 10% raise. With his history of back and knee problems, I doubt that would happen. They could offer him less but if he declines and they don't qualify him he's unrestricted.

Facing those type decisions JF had better be looking at every option.

[Goalman]

Arty hasn't scored ten goals in his best year(Russia or here). Yes he's big. Yes he's fast. But, he can't play for anyone but us at this time. Gandler needs to get real. $450,00 the first year with incentives.

[gandler's wife]

Heres how the Russian mob thinks: you don't like our boys and give us money, we make tough for you.
Go ahead, go out and get this Stamkos to replace your glory boys. We'll sent in Evgeny all full of contrition, to introduce your new Stamkos to concussion ward at horspital. Then where you'll be, eh?

[nhljohnson]

$1.5 mil/2 years, 1-way deal is a fair shake for both sides.

Roy becomes expendable.
Tarnasky becomes the sidekick.

The Lightning are in no position to be turning down affordable options. Especially not those that are 6.5, 250+ pounds and possess a rare blend of speed, skill, and grit.

This is a business, not an ego trip. See the return from Russia by Alex Semin to the Capitals, a player also represented by Gandler.

[ajax]

A million a year shouldn't even be considered. Jay made a great move dealing Richards, but now he seems to immediately gone back to being Jay. Stop the madness someone!!!!

[chris]

Lets wait till feast is eating off someone elses buffet (just to show we all have our own wet dreams). He'll probably sign him with the $ saved from Brad to a long term big three contract anyway.

[Carl]

The guy had great potential when here. He had the size to move players while others could not move him. He was always skating to the net, which is something this team has lacked until Halpern came her.

Bring him back, what else do we have to lose.

[ted]

fire coach

[Mike]

sign Andre

[Another Joe]

Yea how about a two way contract and he earns his way back on the roster!!!!!!!!

I like Arty but he made his bed now he can lay in it!!!

[jim from nj]

is this a joke?!? Really? Lo f'n l!

[boltcc]

I doubt anything will happen until the sale of the team is done..nobody will be writing any checks until then.

[Casper]

Dang straight! This bozo just wants a steady, 24 month paycheck. Doesn't matter to him if he's in Tabasco's dog house, (malingering on...)injured reserve, or a healthy scratch for 30 games a season.

These old physical stats are up to date, yes? I wager he's waddling around at 275 or better and will dang near stroke out at Camp Torturella. (Camp Burns is my wet dream, get your own, LOL)

This whole notion reeks. Like the guy said, we need defensive help and a 2nd or 3rd line (affordable) stud. This whole Artukhin jazz is just wanking, man.