Lightning gets No. 1 pick; will choose Stamkos

Given the way the year has gone for the Lightning, GM Jay Feaster said this afternoon, "There's no way in hell,'' we're getting the No. 1 pick.

Well, something was working in Tampa Bay's favor as the Lightning, which finished 30th in the 30-team league, retained the first pick in this summer's draft in Ottawa, and all indications are it will draft NHL-ready center Steve Stamkos from the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario hockey League.

"If I'm the guy that they want, it would be a great honor for me,'' Stamkos said on Versus draft lottery coverage.''

Said former Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk, who represented Tampa Bay at the draft lottery, "As an organization we're very happy. We have a kid who is going to be a superstar. We're excited. We're really looking forward to that.''

Comments

[Patrick]

Matt,

You still wanted me to name a 1st overall pick who played on the 4th line of his team as an 18 year old? Kinda of a small set of players to choose from - there's only one first overall pick each year of course and they are not always 18. But regardless, how about Jason Spezza? And Lecavalier? Or Jordin Staal? And that's without any research :)

I'm not the rainman of hockey, so I can't tell you they for sure played on the 3rd or 4th lines for the majority of their rookie season or not.... But can you tell me they never spent portion of the season on the 3rd or 4th line? (my original post did say Stamkos would possibly be on the 3rd/4th line). Anyway... not sure what the point is as I was mainly saying a coach like torterella is only gonna let them play on the 2nd line if they earn it and are ready for it mentally as well as physically.

"Either way, we should just agree to disagree. We both want what is best for this team, however it works out."

Well said.

[BoltAction]

Well, I checked out the other blog entry like you said. And I have to admit, it's pure gold.

I put my comments about it in the "lucky numbers" post. I even left a comment on THAT blog. Not sure why you're having issues. But then again, should I be surprised?

[matt]

Leo,

I agreed with your whole comment. Patrick was the guy that post was directed at, I just forgot to put his name on top. Your post kinda helped out what I was trying to say about 18yr olds who jump right into the NHL.

[léo Çh]

Don't know what I did to you in a previous life, BoltAction, but since you're civil, for what it's worth: SORRY. Hah!
I make alot of mistakes in alot of posts (not about hockey though) and I never pretended to understand the inner-workings of Tampa Bay management because I don't, plain and simple, so it's up to the Tampa fans and not me to speak up on the matter.
I talk hockey. And I know a Real Deal when I see one. I don't have to bust people's gonads about Stamkos as much as I did the Priceberg because Stevie is in your backyard! He's the Real Deal.
Now if you're really serious about your fears that Feaster will blow it, I say, pull yourself together, mate.
If you need that kind of material for your posts, may I suggest you read Boltflasher's find off've Tanya's recommended blog off the "lucky numbers" post: "Maple Leafs apparently giving it another Shot".
Should be right up your alley.
SFF

[BoltAction]

Upon examining the above post by leo and after carefully working my way through the haze of spelling errors, abuse of capitalization, and general crimes against grammar and syntax, I must conclude that, beneath it all, the post confirms his staggering ignorance of the history and the workings of the Tampa Bay Lightning management team. While leo's wildly swerving train of thought did, at one point, flirt with coherence, this brief encounter was more likely a chance event than a result of even rudimentary lucidity.

The fact of the matter is (and I feel as though I am repeating myself all too often): Feaster et al will turn this into a Gong Show.

[léo Çh]

That was my whole post, Matt.
Which part of it do you agree or disagree with?
SFF

[Matt]

"So you saying you couldn't list all the 18 year olds that were drafted and started on their teams? I couldn't either, but then I'm not claiming to be ahead of others in my "hockey research" and calling others "feeble minded" because they don't follow sports as much as you do? Nice."

That was just directed at you( you are the only one who critiqued my post)
Is that what I said? NO... What I said was..

"Did you really want me to list all of the 18yr olds that were in the NHL in their 1st seasons? Come on... Sorry I didn't list every single one "

I could have, but had hoped you got a bit of my point, apparently not...

"I've made my point several times, you just refuse to acknowledge it - It's not a guarantee Stamkos is going to be our second line center. I'm not saying he definitely won't, I'm not saying he definitely will. You are the one who seems to be absolutely sure of the future:"

I guess I will concede, you are right it's not a "guarentee". But when the Bolts can't go out and spend enough to bring in a legit 2nd line C, what exactly do you think the Bolts will do.

"I'll repeat another earlier point I made as you have missed it again - I said rookies like stamkos often play on the 4th line because they have to show they can handle the ice time "

And like I asked, let me know the last 1st overall pick(Like Stamkos is going to be) to start on the 4th line as 18yr old rookies. Its a fair question, you asked for more than one example from me on 18yr olds jumping into the NHL, I really just want to know 1 from you.
Somebody else wrote about this as well,

"It's common place for 18yr olds to have success because there's no other 18yr olds in the league EXCEPT the really, really good ones. C'mon.
"THAT 18yr old didn't have a good season." Only time I heard that was for Vinny and for an 18yr old on a very, very thin roster, I thought he did fine. But there was no doubt he was phenomenal, was there?
18yr olds who break in the NHL usually have phenomenal talent. Consider that there's no 18yr old 3rd line grinders. Grinding takes Experience.
Can anyone name 18yr old clunkers?
Look at Vlasic, Mueller, Crosby, does anyone doubt that these cats didn't belong?
Stamkos is a breed apart. His passion for the game (from what I've heard) equals all the greats. They want to Win, no matter what and will do whatever it takes to accomplish that. Stamkos plays with Rage. And scores at will. That's phenomenal Talent, far as I'm concerned.
Rage is very good.
And if Tampa trades him?
Mtl will LAUGH at you, too.
Oh and BoltAction?
Don't be ridiculous; that's my job.
SSF"

Posted by: léo Çh | April 08, 2008 at 12:53 PM

Either way, we should just agree to disagree. We both want what is best for this team, however it works out.

[Casper]

I knew if I were patient I would someday agree with GP, Patrick is going to take a little more time. But we'll get there...LOL

Agree on the Picard assessment, can we get Gauthier down here for less than $3M? Alex and our overall defense would be in better shape than slapping our apples watching Boyle flub assignments in between brilliant offensive maneuvers.

Boyle makes far too many bonehead decisions to merit $4M---period (We gave him >6, OMG!--When I hear "core" I think of an oxidized and shriveled half-eaten apple---a 'Corps of Twenty' is ripe and shiny.). I know he's coached this way, blah, blah, and it bites the sack! Definitely dangle him out there for some nibbles. Try to have some foresight with who'll reek next year and line up in the Draft lottery next year (could be us, but I doubt it.), we could use a shot at Tavares as well; preferably through trade and not another injury ridden brain draining display of mediocrity, & ranting and bullying by you know whom.

Another poster was entirely correct in the assertion that we need to grow from within. As these guys move up the ranks faster than the fans can earn and spend, they have to be shoved off for their opportunity to hit the big one$. Any dolt can see it is far easier to re-load than to re-build. I guess that statement is false.... because here we are...

[GP]

Weezer,

Maybe you haven't watched Dubinsky.

Rookie, Plays with Jagr, played all 82 games, can absolutely fly, 14 goals 26 assists for 40 points. Plays with an edge 79 Pims. All of this with only 14:30 worth of ice time. Hmmm ... yeah he sucks and has no potential.

Let's compare Mr. positive (aka Weezer). Dubinsky would have been the Bolts 5th leading scorer. His average time on ice is 10 mins less than Brad Richards, St Louis, and V4. 6 minutes less than Prospal.

Weezer, maybe you and Matt should argue with each other because you equally do not know what you are talking about.

Let me ask you a question ..... who on the Lightning (forward) has as much potential and at his age? In case you can figure his age out, he is 21. That's right Mr. Positive ..... no one because that would mean that the Lightning would need to actually draft someone who can make it to the NHL.

You're a tool.

[weezer]

You guys can slice the baloney as thin as you want but it's still baloney. As long as there is a self-inposed cap, this team is going nowhere. You can juggle lineups and make fantasy trades till you look smurflike but none of it means a thing. Bolts can't compete with a $40-42M payroll. And, incidentally, Brandon Dubinsky sucks.

[boltflasher]

Interesting comments GP...it could also leave more room to resign Vinny and be closer to the self-imposed cap. Now to remove Denis and his 3 mil hit...

[Patrick]

"Let me know the Last 1st overall pick to start on the 4th line and your point will be made. "

I've made my point several times, you just refuse to acknowledge it - It's not a guarantee Stamkos is going to be our second line center. I'm not saying he definitely won't, I'm not saying he definitely will. You are the one who seems to be absolutely sure of the future:

"Not that it matters, since Feaster and all the experts have said he will start on the 2nd line."

Yes, it's set in stone already. We haven't gone through the offseason free agency and trades or the actual draft, and ownership, the GM and the coach (who is the ONLY person who actually sets the lines not the GM, fyi) could all be up in the air. But aside from all that, you and all the experts know he's our second line center.

And it very well could turn out that way. I can at least aknowledge the possibility of your point.

So you saying you couldn't list all the 18 year olds that were drafted and started on their teams? I couldn't either, but then I'm not claiming to be ahead of others in my "hockey research" and calling others "feeble minded" because they don't follow sports as much as you do? Nice.

[GP]

Ajax,

Good post but I wanted to add a little about Picard and why he was not on the Flyers this season.

The Flyers were VERY VERY VERY high on Picard. The Flyers top six this season are Jason Smith, Kimmo Timonen, Derien Hatcher, Braydon Coburn, Randy Jones, and Lasse Kukonen. They also had Rory Fitzpatrick as a 7th defensemen. Picard was not going to get top 4 minutes so the Flyers thought it would be better for his development to play big minutes in the AHL .... which he did and was an all star. Remember, the Flyers also sent Denis Gauthier and his 3mil salary to the AHL as a salary cap move. The Flyers thought a cheaper alternative was the trio of Randy Jones, Lasse Kukonen, and Fitzpatrick. That is the only reason Picard was in the minors after playing very well for a terrible Flyers team the year before. As for his -9 rating you mentioned. Anyone playing minutes with Dan Boyle this year would be a minus player. Remember all the plays he made either poke checking, hitting, or diving across the crease to save goals. Picard is a player .... not just because he is better or different than anyone else we have. He is a prototypical #3 or 4 defensmen.

Now, whoever mentioned trading the first overall pick has to check themselves. What? Are you freakin crazy? You have to get Stamkos. In the salary cap world, you have to replace players with home grown talent. Name some players on the horizon for the Bolts in the minors or juniors. Tyrell .... 3rd or 4th line. Mihalek .... Career AHL'r. Who else is there? Stamkos is also insurance in case V4 and the Lightning can not come to terms on a contract extension. I have a better and more pratical solution. It is not going to be a popular one but here it goes.

TRADE BOYLE! The Rangers and Flyers would get into a bidding war for him. Boyle is 31 years old and makes 6 million. Let me restate that ... 31 years old and makes 6 million. If the Rangers offered Marc Staal, Dubinsky, and a 1st rounder in this draft .... I jump at it. The Flyers would probably offer a package centering either around Jeff Carter or Claude Giroux. Boyle brings back more value because you replace a 31 year old and dump 6 million in salary. That is huge for a team with salary cap restrictions. The decision needs to be made to rebuid. Everyone needs to stop thinking a player here or there will make it better. Darche, Macdonald, Ward, Tarnasky, Lundin are all MINOR leaguers. Those are the guys we should call up when the NHL guys get injured.

[boltflasher]

F.T.B.S....stop it!!! I can't take that kind of teasing!!...

[matt]

Did you really want me to list all of the 18yr olds that were in the NHL in their 1st seasons? Come on... Sorry I didn't list every single one for the feeble minded who couldn't understand they were just the most recent EXAMPLES. I guess you have to do what you can to prove a point.

[matt]

Let me know the Last 1st overall pick to start on the 4th line and your point will be made. Not that it matters, since Feaster and all the experts have said he will start on the 2nd line. But your logic makes perfect sense, how I missed it I have no idea.

[Patrick]

Matt,

You apparently missed this so here it is simply - My point was we can't EXPECT Stamkos to come in and deliver 2nd center points in his roookie year. That's it.

You then start talking about Patrick Kane's success and Crosby's success and how Lecavalier would have been awesome his rookie year too if we had a decent team and coaches and we all need to do our research, etc.

But then you say you never implied that 18 years come in and have top 6 forward success. And you list a total of 6 players over 2 years that made their teams (out of how many 18 year olds who were drafted total?).

Thanks for making my point for me, but please next time do it without the preaching about "research".

I'll repeat another earlier point I made as you have missed it again - I said rookies like stamkos often play on the 4th line because they have to show they can handle the ice time - not because as you tried to say, I think "the guys on the 3rd and 4th lines going to help a offensive player produce"

[jarvis]

Not one to take sides but Matt you really don't read the posts you criticize. If you do read them, you don't understand them.

[matt]

Patrick,
Maybe you should go back and read what YOU wrote. And thanks for implying my own words to make you sound better. I never implied 18yr olds have top six forward type of success, but yes I did happen to use last yrs #1 pick(who was 18 when yr started and a top 6 forward) as an example.

All I said was since Vinny has been drafted it is more common for 18yr olds to jump right into the NHL.(I guess I could have used Crosby or Ovechkin) I probably should have listed just 18 yr olds who step right into the NHL. (Turris/PHO, Gagner/EDM, Perron/STL-07 draft.. Johnson/STL, Staal/Pitt, Kessel/Bos-06 draft..)

And as far as Stamkos's linemates, are the guys on the 3rd and 4th lines going to help a offensive player produce? Come on...If memory serves, the Bolts were in the middle of 50 loss seasons when Vinny was drafted, they had nobody, period. This current roster has at least 4 guys right now who could be better linemates than what Vinny had his 1st yr.

"I don't think you have made any relevant points against what I actually said in my posts other than Patrick Kane is a hell of a rookie. Try harder."

I guess it was fallen on deaf ears....

[BoltAction]

You watch... Stamkos won't ever play for the lightning. And if he does, then Feaster *will* trade V4...

[nhlman]

Ray, I agree with you, it was driving me nuts that the TSN guy kept saying Tampa Lightning, I wanted to reach in the screen and slap him!

[F.T.B.S.]

I'm hoping Stamkos isn't this generation's Radek Bonk or Alexandre Daigle.
I had hoped Lecavalier wouldn't be another Daigle and we got lucky, because these things are very iffy.

Throw in an over-rated coach living off the Stanley Cup aura and things nowadays get dicey.

What? Say it again? The Bolts' mono-faceted "system" is too easy to play against. Ramsey tells this to Tortorella and off he goes. Sullivan is just wearing the suits and standing in for the emotional little girl after the games.

Here's a pipe dream for ya: New Lighning GM Brian Bradley announces the hiring of new coach Craig Ramsey and Assistant Coach Denis Potvin. Also announced were the new admirals of the Norfolk fleet, Dave Andreychuk and Luke Richardson.

[léo Çh]

It's common place for 18yr olds to have success because there's no other 18yr olds in the league EXCEPT the really, really good ones. C'mon.
"THAT 18yr old didn't have a good season." Only time I heard that was for Vinny and for an 18yr old on a very, very thin roster, I thought he did fine. But there was no doubt he was phenomenal, was there?
18yr olds who break in the NHL usually have phenomenal talent. Consider that there's no 18yr old 3rd line grinders. Grinding takes Experience.
Can anyone name 18yr old clunkers?
Look at Vlasic, Mueller, Crosby, does anyone doubt that these cats didn't belong?
Stamkos is a breed apart. His passion for the game (from what I've heard) equals all the greats. They want to Win, no matter what and will do whatever it takes to accomplish that. Stamkos plays with Rage. And scores at will. That's phenomenal Talent, far as I'm concerned.
Rage is very good.
And if Tampa trades him?
Mtl will LAUGH at you, too.
Oh and BoltAction?
Don't be ridiculous; that's my job.
SSF

[Patrick]

Matt,

Yes, it sounds like you have done a whole lot of research yourself. Patrick Kane is one example of a young rookie who produced top six forward numbers. One example is an exception to the rule, not vice versa.

"When Vinny was drafted it was very UNcommon for 18 yr olds to jump into the NHL. Now if you would look at the past few drafts since Vinny, it is more of a common place."

I never said it wasn't commonplace for 18 year olds to jump into the nhl - I said it was rare for 18 year olds to produce like 2nd line centers are expected and Stamkos will likely not be our 2nd line center for that reason. If you are going to reply to me, reply to what I actually said - don't try replace my words with your bad arguments.

You listed Patrik Kane's success and said it's commonplace for 18 year olds to come into the NHL now. Are you implying it's commonplace for 18 year olds to have success on his level? Well if you'v done so much research you should be able to share all your examples of this if it's commonplace...

"And you might want to check Vinny's ice time his rookie year and the players around him before telling me Vinny's stats as a rookie."

And what fabulous wingers on our current roster are going to be playing with Stamkos and helping him produce like a 2nd line center should in the NHL?

I don't think you have made any relevant points against what I actually said in my posts other than Patrick Kane is a hell of a rookie. Try harder.

[BoltAction]

Leo, your comments on Toronto are ill-directed. Sure sounds like that's what's happening here in Tampa. Also, I stick by my prediction. This bunch of losers we call management will blow it for all of us.

"No, seriously guys! Why draft Stamkos when we could have Glenn Healy? I think he has something to prove..."

Okay Feaster... Whatever...

[léo Çh]

Hey, hey!!!
Congratulations Tampa!
1st question is,
Will Stevie be NHL ready in October?
Web,
Of all people, you should know that when Toranna gets a chance to better themselves?
They promptly blow it. Why? Well, they don't want nothing to intrude on the Country-Club mentality that they're languishing in. Losers.
"No, we don't want to waive our no-trade clause for a deal that could greatly help the team "that we love". No, no, no, we want to stay here and lose forever because...because...well, we're family." Haw-haw! Losers. Mtl LAUGHS at you. Don't ever change, please. Haw-haw! Toranna, ha!
Patrick,
Have no fear; Smith is your guy. Let him settle next year and you'll see what's what.
BoltAction, (where was ya?)
That's the jokes we've been saying at work, that Feaster will take advantage and trade Stamkos for Hal Gill or something.
I like to think that Feaster isn't as brain-dead as people make him out to be and that he knows a good thing when he sees one.
Well done, Tampa! Way to pick those ping-pong balls!
SSF

[bear]

Thanks for some sanity Ajax.

Indeed a professional GM should be very open for business.
The overwhelming goal should be to take this one time chance and parlay both the 1st rounder and V4 into meaningful depth.

My sense is that is exactly what he will do.

Stamkos is a good player but the not the next great one..that guy comes next near in John Tavares.

Bolts could down trade with anybody in the top 7 picks and still get a very good player and they need real Defencemen more than anything else.

Stamkos has a pretty connected agent obviously and they know that Lecavalier is done as a Bolt..why would he look happy?

Feaster has a golden opportunity here and I think he takes it, greatly appreciating the team depth while working at a 40 million cap.

One can hope.

[ajax]

Different opinions are what make the world go around, and boy do we have them here. This kid is a player, but no one is projecting him as a Crosby/Ovechkin type 19 year old. I am amazed by the blogs that say(as if it is easy) all we need are three forwards and a solid D. All in one shopping trip? I firmly believe we are not that close to being a competitor for the cup. We not only had the worst record in hockey, we did it playing 32 games against other bad bad teams. And we got to this level of success by playing our top 4 players the most minutes in all of hockey. (there is a reason Crosby and Malkin only play 21 minutes, it is called responsible teammates) Everyone likes these players for certain roles, but Torts won't even give them any minutes. They can't compete is a simple conclusion after two years. Some of you forget the Detroit or Chicago or Colorado or Calgary games. We were embarassed. It was men against boys. McDonald, Darsche, Ward, Karlsson, Craig? Roy none of these guys are keepers. We have simply lowered our standards. Darche is the best of the bunch and is 32 years old with 8 career goals. They like McDonald, he is 31 years old with 10 career goals. Gratton will be 33 years old and has 53 goals in his last 4 seasons. Try to look at it from this angle. Take Halpern, Jokinen, Picard, and last year O'Brien and even Ward. These guys were way down on the depth charts getting at most 16 minutes a night. Picard couldn't even make Philly's club. They come here and impressed us immediately. Picard went from the minors to 22 minutes a night. He looks great, did anyone notice he was a minus 9 in just 20 games?? Halpern and Jokinen were balls of fire (maybe simply fresh legs late in the season) Is Halpern going to produce 82 games next year when he is asked to play 22-24 minutes a night? He looks fantastic to us, right? But gang, He almost had a career year with 42, yes 42 points. O'Brien was a huge step up. After a full season asking to play minutes he has never played before, OOPS he isn't a 2 or 3, but more like a 5 or 6. My take is "everyone" looks good compared to what we have. I said it before, 30 year old rookies are an oxymoron. Most of these bottom forwards are 30 years old and are very happy with minimum NHL wages. Good for them, bad for us. We have 6 forwards that are career drifters. We need either lots of bodies(at least entertain trading world class assets for many players) or we need big checkbook(Cuban type big). Everyone, well at least a stronghold of bloggers, loved Brad. And look how we improved the club. Now think VL4. Then think wheel and deal the number one pick. This is what a GM is paid to do. We have had our share of "great headlines" while the other clubs are doing the right things and building their clubs. Ouellet, Halpern, Jokinen, Picard and O'Brien. Everyone considers those 5 guys part of our future, right? Well those 5 guys brought in, "combined" make less than VL4. Just a suggestion. Great headlines don't always add up to great business.

[JB]

Now Mr. Feaster, when the NHL all but hands you Stamkos on a silver platter, you cannot say "No thanks, I'll pass" like you did with Bryzgalov, nor can you wait two years too many like you did with the Richards move. When it comes time to pick -- which will be right away -- you have to actually do something. Can you handle that? And don't go signing him to a 8 million/year contract right away, either, and then wonder why you have 1 line on your team. That would not be smart. Alright, go get 'em

[BoltAction]

Hooray! We got the 1st overall pick! So how are we gonna screw this up?

People in this blog are suggesting that a huge trade might dislodge us from 1st overall. And since Feaster was of the mind that he wouldn't have first overall anyways, maybe such a trade isn't so far fetched...

So I guess THAT'S how we'll screw it up. First overall pick + V4 + Mike Smith for Sergei Samsonov.

Remember, you saw it here first!

[matt]

Thanks, like I previously stated, do a bit of research. Last years 1st pick Kane score 72 points on Chi top line. When Vinny was drafted it was very UNcommon for 18 yr olds to jump into the NHL. Now if you would look at the past few drafts since Vinny, it is more of a common place. And you might want to check Vinny's ice time his rookie year and the players around him before telling me Vinny's stats as a rookie. Demers and Espo thought they had a plan with Vinny that did nothing but retard his development. Didn't Crosby get thrown right on the top line and produce his first year?

[Patrick]

Hey Matt,

Settle down just a bit. Stamkos is of course being drafted to eventually play to be a top 6 forward, but there's no way of knowing whether he's going to be ready to immediately step in to that position without first getting SOME experience in the NHL. You ever heard people saying how much faster things are at the NHL level?

Yes, the third and fourth line centers are usually defensive players. Yes, it's also common for rookies to be playing on the 4th line as well, because they don't get much ice time until they show they can handle it.

And lets look no further than your own words - "no way is stamkos going to better than lecavalier". Do you remember what Vinny did as an 18 year old rookie? 28 points in 82 games. Does that sound like starting 2nd line center numbers to you? I'm just trying to keep my own expectations for the kid realistic in his rookie season.

[Michael]

Feaster isnt stupid, contrary to everyones beliefs. He woundnt say "we are going to draft Stamkos", and then take him, but not have intentions for signing him. The only thing I am worried about is Oren Koules. If he is the owner, I hope he will allow Feaster to do his job. OR Palace Sports and Entertainment. And really, I dont see why everyone pick on Feaster for his weight. Sure, he is overweight, but I dont see why that matters. Anyway, if you people follow the team, you know that the team was $6 million under the cap, as a OWNER mandated thing. If we are allowed to use that extra money, maybe it makes a diffrence. And also, maybe if the sale goes through, that would have made a diffrence. Or if we didnt have so many injuries. Or if the trade deadline wasnt a cut salary time, that players had to worry about their own lives rather than playing hockey. Give Feaster another year or two to fix things. Remember, we have only been to the playoffs 5 times in our history, and 4 have been with Torts and Feaster. Listen to the players, and what they say. IF they felt it was Feaster and Torts causing the mess, or just a dislike for Torts, they could easily say that. But they havnt. If it is what they want, why not make it happen? Because they dont. Palace Sports wouldnt keep them then, and lose even more money, they would want the fans to come in, which would only happen if the team is playing well. Koules wouldnt keep them, as he has no loyalty to them, and with Vinny being such a big driving force in why he wants the team, if Vinny says they need to go, they will go. He hasnt.

[Matt]

"One poster rejoices in the fact that the Lightning are obligated to spend $40M"............Not so much rejoicing as i was trying to say regardless what happens THEY WILL BE REQURIRED TO SPEND MONEY!! Better than being miserable like half of these non fans bitching and moaning like teenage girls!!! This coming from someone who thinks getting rid of the frachise player, raising ticket prices and not improving the on ice product are good ways to sell a hockey franchise. Stick to your day job. I am by no means a Feaster supporter, I just understand reality. And the reality is Feaster is not going anywhere, so unlike you and some other babies(who probably arent even season ticket holders) I just go with the flow. No sense in getting your panties all up in a bunch over something you have zero control over.

And if Stamkos drafted by the Bolts HE WILL BE THE STARTING 2ND LINE CENTER. Not the 3rd(which is a checking line) or the 4th(normally reserved for the lesser players on the team,) Have some of you guys commenting actually watched hockey or is it you just like to rag all TPA teams? Look, re-sign Gratton, McDonald and Drche and the 3rd and 4 th lines are already done(w Tarnasky filling out 4th) And Halpern/Gratton/Jokiken as the 3rd. That leaves Oulett/Stamkos/Free agent for 2nd line and Vinny/Marty/Free agent for the top line. Under that sceranrio 2 FA forwards would be needed. Im not understanding how the Bolts are in that bad of a situation. 8 more wins and they would have been in the playoffs. Trade Kuba and Luke and you would save an aditional 4.5 million(which could be re-distubuted on a new stay-at-home d-man) Between Lundin,Smaby and Ranger, they are just too cheap to not have on the team(all 3 make less than a mil a piece.). Some of you should do a lillte research before commenting and ending up making zero sense. And anyone thinking Stamkos will be better than Vinny is retarded. Plain retarded. If the Bolts are lucky, he might play about the same level as Richards with a bit more of a scoring knack.

[pervey]

You people are way ahead of yourselves. This ownership hasn't committed to doing anything but screwing up. One poster rejoices in the fact that the Lightning are obligated to spend $40M. Yeah, it's great we got Stamkos but look how obviously unhappy the kid was when Tampa was announced as the lottery winner. You think he's looking forward to being hounded, castigated, and berated by the egotistical Tortorella, the destroyer of goalies and young talent? You think Vinny is going to re-sign under the present conditions? You think this miserly management is going on a shopping spree for much needed free agents? The answer to all these questions is no. There is no evidence or track record to suggest otherwise.

Ownership's main objective is to sell the team, not improve the onice product. The have increased ticket prices and cut payroll this year. That's how they figure they'll make it more attractive to lenders and sell the team.

All they have to do is read these boards and see the excitement generated by the number one pick and all the suckers who will renew their ceason ticket packages no questions asked, There's no incentive on ownership's part to rebuild the team if they believe fans are gullible and short sighted.

[Hockey Chic]

Thank you Hockey Gods something to cheer about. I nearly jumped out of my bed when I heard them say and that #1 pick goes to Tampa Lightning. woo hoooo

I was screaming its TAMPA BAY Lightning you idiots. I guess that goes hand in hand with the way the NHL treats us. I think we should take this red headed step child routine down their throats What do ya say guys...Go Bolts.....

This is indeed a great sign now lets get the summer over with the deals done and done right and lets kick some butt next season.

Rosies being polished and brushed off a little now go out and make some good freakin deals feaster....

Go BOLTS!!!!!

[Ray]

Anyone want to tell that announcer on TSN that it's not just the Tampa Lightning, but the Tampa Bay Lightning?

You'd think a hockey channel such as TSN would get their act together. Just goes to show how much respect we don't get.

Glad to hopefully get the chance to get Stamkos though. The Utube videos I've seen of him are incredible. Let's just hope we don't trade the pick away again like the last 3-4 times. :sarcasm dripping:

[Patrick]

Man it's great the lightning got the #1 pick. For the first time this year, we got what we deserved.

Now I am excited, but I want to see this guy play at the NHL level. I'd be thrilled if he had a Brad Richards type rookie season, but I am expecting more of a Lecavalier type rookie season. Especially since we don't have much to go around at the wing for him. He'll probably be on the third/fourth line if Halpern keeps producing, but that's a big IF to me.

If I am right, that still leaves us with a couple of holes in the top two lines. I think you have to plan in the offseason for this and fill the needs at forward through free agency, although the pickin's is a bit slim from what I have seen.

We definitely need a Petr Svoboda type defensive veteran to show our young D-men how to actually play defense in the NHL.

Does anyone this so far that Mike Smith is a #1 goalie of the future for this team? I think we need to see more. I see another developmental season for the lightning next year.

[GP]

Let me add a little tidbit to that last post. I just read an interesting article on NHL.com and Jay Feaster has some comments that make me more uneasy than before.

(We do think it’s a deep draft,” Feaster said. “I like the possibilities that you have for the first 10 picks in this draft. The thing that I lament the most is we don’t have our own second-round pick. I wish we did. I think there are going to be some real-good value picks in this draft. Our guys feel very good about it. We’re excited about the draft on an overall basis – not just with the No. 1 pick.”

WHAT? You lament the most the loss of your second round pick in this DEEP draft? Did you not think of this when you threw away a 2nd round pick like a dollar bill at a strip club? Were you unaware that this was a deep draft? Come on Feaster. I thought lawyers knew how to spin situations with words. You just keep making it worse.

PSE/OK - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not allow Feaster to screw this up. FIRE HIM and Torts and we (the season ticket holders) will come.

[Waiting for Jay to Screw This Up]

Oh yeah the kid was all BUMMED he didn't get to go to LA and play with La BARBERA (!) and instead is forced to play with no-talent bums like Vincent Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis--if we don't TRADE them first. What a load. For all who didn't grasp it, "Not set in stone yet" means the kid isn't just self-centeredly ASSUMING we'll use the first pick on him. He has some humility, in other words. And knowing Feaster's history, would anyone be the tiniest bit surprised if Jay either traded that 1st pick for some steaming pile of human diarrhea with "promise" that "we've had our eye on" who then suddenly grows a massive brain tumor with hair and teeth on it and doesn't work out (see Mark Denis), or if he used it to pick one of the big 3 defensemen who were highly touted? We for once didn't get hosed in the lottery as both Jay and I fully expected we would, but I wouldn't put it past the egghead to blow this yet. He's already announced that if the Lightning got the 1st pick, "We're open for business!!!"

Save us.

Why is nearly every reference to Jay Feaster a sophomoric fat joke?

Stay classy, Tampa

[Tosh]

Here's to hoping that Jay Feaster doesn't decide to trade away this kid. From every indication he's going to be even bigger than Lecavalier in the future, so getting rid of him for somebody about like Rusty would be stupid. Althou with Feaster's draft day trades, I honestly can't say that Stamkos is going to be a Bolt until I see him walk up there and put the sweater on! If Feaster does trade this kid before we draft him, I hope it's his last foul up as GM and he's out on his rear.

I will say drafting Stamkos will mean that the chances of signing Lecavalier to a longer term contract (something along the lines of Ovi in Washington) will be less likely. Given as they'll much rather see which one of these 2 pans out as being the future of this team. And more often than not, they take the younger kid over the older. So if we get him, Stamko's signs a deal about like Ovi, Lecavalier keeps getting 3-5 year deals.

[matt]

Why does everyone think the Bolts are just going to shed all payroll if the ownership crap falls apart? If the cap goes up to the estimated 56 million every team will be required to spend the minimum of 40 million. Thats 2 less than what they started this year. I'm not seeing any scenario where trading one of the best players in the NHL is anywhere close to a good idea. The franchise would be worthless without a superstar like Vinny. Any extension with Vinny wouldn't kick in until his current deal is over, so his salary wouldn't be any different for this upcoming season. Do some of you guys think 90 point guys grow on trees?

[Just Wondering]

Only 45 minutes left in this magical day. Think Mutt and Jeff will hand in their resignations before midnight?

[jr]

Koules and the Gang have not got the financing (yet) to buy the team. All, ajax, myself, and others are saying is that VL should be traded if he doesn't re-sign. Why should he with this coach and without a committed ownership? Then you get something for him instead of nothing. Capiche?

[Zeppo]

The only way I'ma get-a comfortable with Ranger, Smaby, and Lundin is if they all hit the weights like crazy this summer, paint-a Torts' face on a heavy bag and do it up for an hour per day there. Finally, get someone in here to position these guys!

[Tom "Steve" McQueen]

Let's hope Mr. Krispy Kreme and Mr. Chain "Saw" Koules don't find a way to screw up the signing.

As a member of the press, an inside rumor that I heard today is that if the Lightning got Stamkos with the first pick that Vinny was going on the market because the new ownership said they didn't have the cash to re-sign him long term.

IF that is accurate, then we all need to curb our enthusiasm until the "Saw" finds some greenbacks.

[Jay Feaster]

The Rangers are offering a truckload of Krispy Kremes ... let me think about this during the playoffs!

[Pete]

OH GOD! Please dont suggest trading #4, that would be the biggest mistake. We would be laughed at even more than we already are!

[Jamie]

FINALLY! There really is a silver lining. Was it me or did Stamkos not seem very excited with the lottery results?