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

[matt]

Hello, they are only at 33 million next year. Why trade Vinny? Giving him a raise would only raise that figure maybe 2 million. Even if they spend the same amount this year that leaves 7-9 million without making other moves. ie trading Kuba, Luke, Ward or Obrien,(combined will make close to 6.5 million) and buying out Denis. If you do something along those lines then you can spend more. McDonald will cost less than a mil, same with Darche.

And everyone wants to dog Lundin, just remember he was the only defensemen to have a positive +- rating of +6. As a rookie playing 30 more games than he ever has in 1 season. He's a good stay at home d-man. He will only get better and he costs nothing. Same with Smaby and Ranger.(All 3 make less than a mil a piece)

[ajax]

If the kid has a cape we'll be alright. Great bargaining chip if need be. Reality is we need about 4 forwards and 1 or 2 Dmen. Economics will dictate the D standing pretty much pat, which is deflating with only 6 months to go til opening night. Raid the rich teams is the way to go. Trade down to the 4th pick and you probably can get a starter plus a good pick(any of the top 5 D in the draft will be lite years better than Lundin. Trade VL4 for minimum two starters and two number one draft picks and we are looking at long term competitiveness in Hockey Bay. Before i/2 the blog goes nuts, let me explain. Management won't spend for free agents, which is the only way for immediate turn around. So reluctantly, before we lose Vinny for zippo, maximize the asset.
As soon as the deal closes or goes bust, the dominoes will begin to fall.
If new management comes in and spends the cap, all of my above blog is mum. But, if it is the other side of the coin they better have a GM willing to make tough decisions and not "popular" decisions, that is what got us into this mess three years ago. Everything should be settled before draft day. Everything should be settled in time to make big, BIG decision on Vincent. Much to think on padawans. Will the Shroud of Jay be forever with us?

[jr]

Amen, Eric. It will tae all of the above.

[Eric]

Great for our TBL, however to rebuild this club we also need some other moves. Moves that Jay Feaster is not capable of. We need some defense. We could also use another strong forward.

Draft Stamkos, Fire Torts and Feaster, Sell team to real owners then we will be on our way.

[Elwood]

I agree with noticing the look of ambivilence and surprise, almost letdown on the Kid's face. "Los Angeles would be cool, Frolov, Kopitar, Jack Johnson, La Barbera, all the So. Cal babes plus a hot ride to tote 'em."

EW! That Tampa coach is a d!ck...

I'm hip; we would be no better off with ALL of the promising defensemen following Stamkos. Tortorella and the idiotic sycophants, Sullivan, Reese, yes, even Nigel.... The two lunkheads in Norfolk--- need to be GONE!!!
Andreychuk for coach at Norfolk, paired with a Defense wizard.

[Eric]

Great night, indeed.

We still need 2 LW, though, and 1 shut down D-man.

[Pete]

That would be absolutely ridiculous if someone gave up 6 starters and a d-men for this kid so Im gonna say, Never Gonna Happen....and yes, I would still keep him haha. Oh, and I doubt Stamkos would play on a line with vinny and marty. Steve is a natural center, so I dont think they would move him, just my thought though.

[jim from nj]

vinny not ginny. Damn iPhone!

[bingo]

The kid will be great.... check the vid from you tube..... punch in the name and watch. he goes to the net, throws a check and will scrum in the corner. And best of all is a legitimate right hand shot for the power play.

PP -1 Vinny, Marty, Stamkos

PP - 2 Halpern, Oulette, Darche/or replacement.

Better than what we had this past year.

Now to find a stay at home defense player and finally.

A new coach, GM and Scouting staff.

Is that asking for too much....

Andy now we all owe you a big thanks for two items. THE CUP AND STAMKOS.....

Bingo

[HSP]

Not sure if any anyone else noted the irony, but Stamkos wears #91. A replacement for Richards in more ways than one.....

[Bill]

THIS KID IS GREAT! WHAT IF SOMEONE OFFERS THE BOLTS 6 STARTING PLAYERS THAT ARE ALL TOP 6 FORWARDS AND DMEN? WE SHOULD DRAFT HIM, BUT? EVERYONES THOUGHTS,PLEASE

[jim from nj]

I'd rather go to Tampa. Better fans better weather better arena better everything. And we all know we sandbagged the season for this guy and now with a team with him and ginny and marty will make us sexier to other Ufas to wanna come help us out. If davidson was still the boss with no distractions this team could be a very strong favorite next season. Oh yeah with a real gm of course!

[Nan]

Hey Kipp, knowing Torts, whoever plays the best gets the second line spot. We are of course assuming that Vinny keeps his points up and stays on the number one line! Who is going to be the Left winger for Vinny? Should be an interesting summer to see who the Lightning acquire.

[Nate Dogg]

After months of wishing for this came true, it finally happened. Thank the lord...for there truly is light at the end of the tunnel!

[John]

I hope he is all they say, though I worry about small centers. If he needs to live w/ someone, Marty should be the one. We need more players w/ heart.
I love the heart from MacDonald and could resign, but not sure I agree w/ anyone who says Gratton. Please tell me what you saw from him this year, that we need him back. 21 pts in 60 games. 1 power play goal. Same # of PIM, power play goals, game winning goals, and shots as Tarnasky. Yes, he played less games, but is a 3rd line center at best.
All SE teams are better except for ATL, w/ ownership issues (AGAIN), this team has a long way to go to be a contender again.

[boltflasher]

Stamkos may have been dreaming of Hollywood and the glitter, so he may be a bit disappointed...

[Pete]

We BETTER take Stamkos! He should be a no-brainer. He has by far the most talent and the next 5 best players are all defensemen! And I think most will agree with me when I say we do not need, yet another,young inexpierenced, defensemen!

[web]

This Toronto kid should have been a Leaf. Oh well, at least he went to my 2nd favourite team in the NHL.

[boltflasher]

Excuse the poor typing...depends on how Stamkos performs at NHL level and what linemates are provided by the organization...a big if...but at least we may have Stamkos...

[Pete]

I am so stoked. This kid is going to be amazing. Great hands, excellent vision, and pure leadership qualities. Sound familiar (Vinny). I was a little taken back to his response though.(chuckle) "It's not set in stone yet." -Stamkos' response to Tampa's chance of drafting him.

[boltflasher]

Which line will depend on he performs as NHL level and what linemates the organization will provide (so don't hold your breath on that one...)

[Kipp]

So assuming we take Stamkos, does he go to the second line or does Halpern stay there?

[TJ]

Agreed boltflasher. Maybe this will be the start of a good season (both off and on the ice) for the Bolts! Now if they can get Vinny signed to an extension, they will be set for seasons to come. I hope the injury bug goes somewhere else next year....

[boltflasher]

After all the misery this year as outlined by Damian, the Bolts and their fans deserved a break...Thank God!

[TJ]

Well, one of the concerns for the Bolts was a "top 6" forward. I think we just took care of that one! Now for a veteran D-man and maybe a good backup goalie. Resign McDonald, Gratton and Darche from the UFA list and Picard from the RFA list and here we go!

[Stacey]

AH! I'm just so stoked. Wonder who Stevie will be living with? He should live w/ Vinny, he's got plenty of room! Thank you, hockey god!

[weezer]

Well, for one triple-chin Mr. Krispy Kreme wasn't there. I'm sure that helped.

[boltflasher]

Way to go Cap'n!