Deals as good as done (updated with Rolston)

Barring anything unforeseen, and according to their agents, both Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts could sign Lightning contracts today. In fact, both contracts apparently are down to the details that, really, still could be worked out by late tonight, though no formal announcement is expected until Monday.

"We're very optimistic we'll get something done by July 1," Lightning owner Len Barrie said. "Both players, I think, are excited to be part of the family.

Malone, 28, a rising star in the league, is believed to have agreed to a seven-year, $31.5-million contract. That's a $4.5-million annual salary cap hit. Roberts, 42, is believed to have a base salary of $1.2-million and incentives that could raise his compensation to $2-million.

Roberts' agent, Rick Curran, would not comment on the numbers, but said he is "very optimistic that by (Monday) we will be able to finalize something."

Malone's agent, Mike Liut, breaking his normal practice of not speaking to the media about negotiations, said, "It's going to get done."

If so, what a windfall for the Lightning on so many levels. Malone, who had career highs last season of 27 goals, 51 points and 103 penalty minutes likely will play on a line with rookie center Steve Stamkos and be in front of the net on the power play. Roberts, who had just three goals in 38 games in a season slowed by a broken left leg and a high ankle sprain, will start on Jeff Halpern's apparent third line, though Roberts is much more sought after for his leadership role.

What does this do for the Lightning during free agency? It makes them, as owner Oren Koules said, a lot more choosy when it comes to finding another scoring wing. As I've said before, I think Radim Vrbata of the Coyotes would be a terrific fit. He is 27 years old and had 27 goals last season and can grow with the Lightning's younger players. And he's a right-handed shot, something the team could use, especially on the power play.

The Lightning also may be on the verge of trading for the rights to Wild forward Brian Rolston, who also could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Rolston is 35 but has three straight 30-goal seasons (96 goals total). Another so-called character guy that could add leadership to the locker room and scoring punch up front.

Not sure what Tampa Bay is offering. But when Malone signs and the Penguins get a third-round pick in 2009 from the Lightning as compensation (the original deal was for a fourth-round pick that would change to a third if Malone signed),  perhaps the Lightning offers the 2009 fourth-round pick for Rolston.

Seems Rolston recently said he was committed to going into free agency, so the WIld is trying to get something for him before perhaps losing him for nothing.

 

   

Comments

[Nate Dogg]

Well put DC! I agree whole-heartedly about Vrbata! Thanks for all the updates! I'm sure I'm not alone when I really hope Malone and Roberts are signed by tonite or early tomorrow!

So far with the additions:
Prospal
Stamkos
Malone
Roberts

Not too shabby...does this mean we'll actually have that thing called "depth" at forward?...I think my head just exploded...

[Nate Dogg]

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/Radim_Vrbata/

[Mark]

WOW!!! Oren, you must be serious about this club. Signing Malone to a 7 year deal is a huge move. He is not being seen as a rent-a-player for the year, but an important part of this club. Nice job! I love the Roberts move as well. Although, he will not be the player he used to be, he is a tough grinder who everyone has to watch out for every time he's on the ice. I am looking forward to seeing him make an impact with all the young players.

I agree with you Damian... get Vrbata and maybe a defenseman and call it day on Tuesday. Looks like we're getting important pieces to the playoff puzzle.

Who will be heading to Norfolk next year? I'm looking forward to watching a full hockey team this year as opposed to one line of stars and a bunchof AHL players. Thank you for the excitment!

Message to Barry: I hope you're serious about winning. Lightning fans are very passionate about their hockey, and I would hate to see all the positive changes happen without a result. We're putting our faith in your ability to get thee guys going.

P.S. Retire Dave Adreychuk's jersey.

[Mike13]

Projected Line Combos:

Prospal-Lecavalier-St.Louis
Malone-Stamkos-TBD
Roberts-TBD/Halpern-Ouellet
Jokinen-Tarnasky-Artyukin

Ranger-Boyle
O'Brien-Kuba
Picard-Lukowich

Smith
Ramo

So what about Jason Ward, Ryan Craig, Mike Lundin, and Matt Smaby? Jokinen on the 4th line? I doubt it. I think he's trade bait. It's too bad they don't appear to be pursuing Darche at all. I think he would be a fine 4th liner and he was a scoring machine during the couple of games he played in Norfolk last season.

[Mike13]

I forgot to post my reaction to the Malone signing...friggin' awesome!

Smith??????????????????????
Ramo????????????????????????????????

And No help on D so far,,so you score 5 goals a game,Give up 7.
and you are a better team How?

So far looks like Hollywood Cowboy,All Hat,, No Cattle

[bingo]

Darche should end up in Norfolk. I do smell a trade or two in the works here. It would make sense, Oulette, Jokinen, Gratton, Halpern, Lundin, Smaby, Mihalik Craig, Ward MacDonald several of these guys are gone...... What a change in lineup and player makeup..... the ???? will be can they jell into a cohesive group that will be interesting.
Prospal ---- Hmmm do you think he's happy about signing for 3.5 if Malone gets 4.4.... DOn't want to be taking that call.... ALthough he is a bit older..... lot's to like about all this talk. Go Bolts..... welcome to the NHL

[Leo's Shrink]

Anyways, Malone,
Keep in mind, it wasn't the kid's call. He didn't have TB on his list; he was SENT here. Now hold on, I'm not peein' in the soup; this is still good. Right now, the kid is like, "Aw man, TB..."

Posted by: léo | June 28, 2008 at 10:34 PM

Yeah.....ah man tampa bay.

he's counting his cash right now. and leo has once again shown his expertise.

welcome Ryan. thank goodness you didn't go the great white north that leo loves. bahahahahahahahaha

nobody wants to come here. mark my words. bahahahahhahaha

[Chris]

Would you people please stop complaining about no d. The free agent signing period hasn't even started yet! We will pick up a defensive defenseman via free agency or trade.

[Don in St. Pete]

To the no name poster at 09:15 afraid to post his name. Blow it out your @$$. We don't need these negatives when so many promising developments are occuring. Be patient. There are moves in the works and I'm sure we'll all be surprised at some of them. These owners are nor done yet, and will continue to wheel and deal to put us in the best possible position going into the season. Mike13 I flip Jokinen and Roberts on your chart. I agree that if Jokinen can't pick up his game by the deadline he is toast but I don't think they're ready to give up on him yet. I also slot Gratton into the 3rd line center position until Halpern returns, though he isn't signed yet, everything I've seen indicates he will be. Do you notice that all of a sudden we are also one of the toughest teams in the league. To Leo, Kovy might want to get in some boxing lessons over the summer.

Who wouldn't want to come to Tampa now?

Things are getting very interesting with this team.

[Mark]

Nice projected lineup Mike13, but what about Gratton. Is there talk of him leaving? I thought the idea was to have a 4th line of Tarnasky, Gratton and Artyukin. I know this ownership has vision, but this 4th line seems to fit the toughness and grit that Melrose has been talking about. Thoughts???

I would hate to see Gratton go again.

[TJ]

Well, according to TSN.ca it's apparently as close to a "done deal" as you can get without it being signed, sealed and delivered to the league office. Here's the link:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242037&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

and according to TSN (and yes, we need to remember where this is coming from and there is nothing "official" yet) the contract appears to be front-loaded, they are saying he'll get between 7-8 mil in the first 2 yrs of the contract....

[Don in St. Pete]

Grats is not going anywhere, mark my words. He is just the type of player Melrose likes and considering he played 5 of 6 months last year with a terrible hip injury he did well. This coming season we won't need to count on him for as many goals but this line could surprise. If you remember 3 years ago Artyuhkin was the faster player on the team and got us many PP's when he had to be hooked or held driving to the net. Put a great passer in Grats and a digger in Tarno on the line and we could be pleasantly surprised. Here's a great scenario, where you use these guys. The MVP line has just had the other teams first line bottled up in their own zone late in the 3rd period of a tie game and had to ice the puck to release the pressure and now there blowin' hard cause there exhausted. Send the crash line out and make these guys fold. grats is a great faceoff man and this could get to be routine. My feeling is that Darche, McDonald, Lessard and Janik will be offered 2 way contracts and could solidify the squad at Norfolk and provide solid leadership there. Quit ragging the D! Much of the results of last year were the lack of forwards able toi execute Tort's system. We have the most defensive depth of any team except Nashville in it's system andI am confident that a couple of the guys will step up this year. Smaby, Pickard, O'brien and Ranger all have the potential to become superstars. Ranger gave us a glimpse in the first half last year when he scored all of his 10 goals before getting injured in late january. These guys are all boys but my prediction is that this year a couple of them will become men and that could be all we need. lastly with the committment shown by management in getting the Malone, Roberts and Prospal deals done, I don't think any FA would have a problem considering TB. ROCK on OK!

[TJ]

Then the question becomes, what about in the net? Do you keep Smith (naturally) and send Ramo back to Norfolk to get in regular playing time for a year and sign a good veteran backup goalie to give Smith a bit of mentoring, like Turco did for him in Dallas? Or do you carry both Smith and Ramo and hope one or the other doesn't go stale on the bench watching the other one play?

[Don in St. Pete]

TJ, great post and a very pertinent question. I see the Lightning signing Kolzig to a 1 year deat at $1 mil and letting Ramo play every day at Norfolk. That let's us move forward from what we had last year but let's Ramo get the seasoning he needs and bucks up the troops at Norfolk.

[slapshot]

Here is a list of free agent right wings that could fit on the second line. (low salaries, so that means no Hossa or Huselius)

Michael Ryder
Sean Avery
Miroslav Satan
Radmin Vrbata
David Vyborny
Brian Rolston?????
Marcus Naslund????

And we still need a 3rd line center to fill Halperns spot while he's gone.
???????

Glen Metropolit
Niko Kapanen
Josef Vasicek
Jason Williams
Michael Peca

[TJ]

Don-

Is Ollie the Goalie even interested in playing in the NHL again this season? I was under the impression (mistaken, maybe) that he was going to retire, or return to Europe for the rest of his career? Don't get me wrong, I think he'd be an outstanding backup, if he's willing to accept the backup role! He'd be great a giving Smith a spell off and even if he's getting a bit long in the tooth, he's still a good goalie. I thought part of the problem was the fact that Huet took over the #1 position in Washington and he wasn't too happy about having to take a seat on the bench. Or maybe he was just not too happy about the way it was handled. It's been a while since I've heard anything about Kolzig so I may have it mixed up with some other stuff I read. So if Kolzig is not interested, who else do you see? Cujo? Talk is he's seriously considering returning to LeafNation since they cut Raycroft loose. I don't know if there is a large number of reliable "backup" goalies out there.

[Mario]

Halpern may never return, wonder if they can ship him our for a solid D-man before he quits playing.

[Mario]

"return to europe"?

[TJ]

I only said return to Europe because he's been mentioned as playing in one of those leagues. He was born in South Africa and has played his entire career in North America, so he never played there at any time. If he's not going to play in North America and still wants to play, it'll have to be Europe somewhere....not sure there's much of a call for goalies in South Africa....

[TJ]

I'm sorry, my bad...He did actually play with the Berlin Polar Bears in 2004-05 (lockout year) so technically I guess you could say "return to Europe"...

[DivisionNick]

Kolzig is most likely going to Ottawa. He doesn't have many years left and wants to play for a contender, and I don't think he'd believe the Bolts are the right team. I wouldn't look for him to sign.

Avery is way too needy and not worth the effort. He's supposedly seeking $4 mil. No chance!

Metropolit is an okay utility guy, like Clymer was when he was with the Lightning, but probably not the greatest for a 3rd line center.

The MVP line is solid. I don't see an issue with Stamkos between Malone and Jokinen as a second line. Is Roy staying or does the Roberts pickup make him a goner?

Anyone have an opinion on Mike Rozsival from the Rangers?

[Nate Dogg]

Man, until someone recently mentioned Darche's name, I was becoming more and more of a fan of the Robert's signing.

Not anymore...at least IMO.

Who would you guys rather have on your third line? Darche-a 31 year old who collected 11 points in the last 21 games, had great chemistry with the two other slotted third liners (Halpern and Ouellet), and can skate and hit in the new NHL (playoff style also)? OR a 42 year old who struggled with injuries and scoring last year, has a lot of grit, and provides great leadership? Should be an easy answer...

Continuing, it would truly break my heart as a fan to see Tarnasky make the team and Darche not. Except for one shootout winner against the Caps last year, Tarns has done NOTHING! IMO, he should be in the ECHL. I'm happy for him that he made it to the bigs and got a contract...He fought for it! However, I just don't want him on our team.

I'd like to see this lineup (aka: not happening)

Prospal-Lecavalier-St.Louis
Malone-Stamkos-TBD (Vrbata)
Jokinen-Halpern/Gratton-Ouellet
Roberts(Darche)-Gratton/Jones-Artyukin

The slashes indicate the player assuming that role until injuries are healed. (and yes, old man Roberts should thank his lucky stars he doesn't have to go through Camp Torturella)

Personally, I just see Jokenin having wayy too much skill to be playing on the checking line. Especially when he can out play and skate Roberts. Roberts HAS to be on the 4th line!

[Boltflasher]

Don, agree that its way too early to complain that we haven't signed a D. Some people have to complain no matter what. Its not only Halpern that is out injured at start of season, Vinny is also so someone will need to fill in there for a bit there as well...again, did someone say Rolston?...I think I did right after Halpern was hurt...

Don, I actually have always liked Grats and was one of my favorite players, I hope they can find a spot for him, but unless there's a trade I am not sure he has a spot..(isn't this a bit different, so many forwards, we have trouble wondering who will play!!)

[TJ]

Read on another website that according to Minneapolis Star Tribune that the Minnesota Wild are on the verge of trading the rights to Brian Rolston to the Lightning! Not sure what that is all about, but wouldn't THAT be something?

[TJ]

link for the story to the above listed post:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/22699804.html?location_refer=Wild:highlightModules:1

[Nate Dogg]

You know, Boltflasher kinda gave me a thought. Rolston can play both center and wing. That could be VERRRRY valuable with your third line center out! Think about it!

Rolston could fill in for Halpern and you could move Jokinen up to the second line until Halpern comes back in Jan/Feb. When he does come back, you could push Rolston back to the 2nd line wing spot and then slide Jokinen back down to third line wing duty with Halpern!

No?

[Nate Dogg]

Hahaha...oh man. Thanks TJ for the link...if this is true, OK hockey IS NUTS! I can understand/defend ONE draft pick being given up, BUT NOT TWO! Que Rediculo!

[snoop dogg]

nate dogg, rolston on the 3rd line? hilarious

[TJ]

Does the odd man out become Ouellet? When (and notice I'm not saying "if") Halpern comes back and is up to speed and folks do slide back a line or so, somebody's gonna wind up sliding right out of the lineup. Unless (God forbid) we get bit by the injury bug like last season. (No, I don't even wanna think about that!! Somebody go ahead and slap me in the back of the head now for even thinking that)....

[Nate Dogg]

Snoop! Where you been, homie? We gotta make some new tracks soon!

It was just an idea from his versatility. He is the true, ideal 2nd line winger (besides Vrbata). I just think it would be un-wise to sign somebody for a $mill+ to fill the role when Grats can do it. (not that a 4.5 million doller winger-center would be any better, get my drift?)

And no TJ, I can't see Ouellet being the man out. The guy finally got a flame lit under his butt and caught fire. He was probably the most consistant forward for the last 15-20 games of the season when he played with Halpern and Darche

[Nate Dogg]

...(Forgettign to add to my defense of Rolston)...

You could move Rolston in as your 2nd line center, and have Jokinen and Malone play with him AND THEN have Stamkos be slowly brought along on the third line, centering Ouellet and Roberts (darche!)...and then when Halpy comes back, slide Stamkos up to the 2nd line center spot, move Jokinen down with the 3rd line, Roberts (Darche!) to the 4th line wing, and just move Rolston over to play winger for Stamkos!

Make a little more sense?

[TJ]

I agree about Ouellet...after pairing him with Halpern, he took off, something he never did with BR.

So the MVP line is set, 2nd line is SS with Malone and whoever(?), the 4th line would be (hopefully) Grats/Artyukin/Tarnasky for the grinders/hitters, then the 3rd line is who? Until Halpern is back, who to center Jokinen and Ouellet? Move Gratton up and put Roberts on the 4th line? or put Roberts on 2nd line for the time being to give the kid a little bit of cover and since Roberts and Malone played together in Pit, a bit of chemistry maybe?

(Just a thought---is anybody else as ready as I am for hockey season to start!!??)

[David (Clearwater, Fl)]

"shockingly aggressive" you can say that again. They're on the verge of having deals done with 4 FAs, 3 of whom are 30 goal scorers or close to it (Malone 27), before July 1st even gets here. That's insane! I can't help but cringe just a bit though to see all those draft picks go. This team needs a lot of help in their farm system. They also need help on defense and none of the FAs have addressed that need. I'd love to see Vrbata signed, and at this rate it might just happen before noon tomorrow. Forget noon Tuesday. The Lightning power play is going to be pretty damn good next year. I love every move they've made. Can't wait for the season to start!

[TJ]

And yes, Nate, that does make sense to me. I love all this speculation, which won't mean a darn thing until after everyone gets a look-see in training camp. But this is fun anyway!

[TJ]

That link I posted about Minnesota on the verge of trading Rolston's rights to the Bolts? I just checked it again it now says the deal is done. Bolts have Rolston's rights for a conditional draft pick. Just don't know what the "conditions" are for it yet....

[Don in St. Pete]

WOW! So much happening so fast it's hard to keep up. I personally had ruled out Rolston because I knew it would take $5 mil or more to sign him and I had read on numerous sites that he was a lock for Minny. Wow if this is true this takes us from a borderline playoff team to a cup contender ( let's hear Leo's take before I stick my neck out there totally ). Now that we have Malone if they're willing to do what it takes to get Rolston I say Rock on! Who am I to disrupt the OK battleship on it's maiden voayage. Rolston is actually a good fit because you already have Malone and Stamkos to pick it up at the defensive end. If you're SS and you're reading this blog now, you must be thinking HOLY $#!+ I'm walking into a perfect scenario. He's probably drooling his way to sleep right now.
Nate good point on Mathieu Darche who was our best player after the trade deadline last year, including Halpern who was the beneficiary of many tap in or wide opne net goals, courtesy of Matt Darche. My original thought was that Darche steps up into the center role on the 3rd line as hge's proven he can do well in the facwoff circle, but my ultimate feeling is that we keep Darche and put him on the 4th line and that Tarno ends up at Norfolk or elswhere. I love Tarno, I like his speed, his forecheck and his willingness to drop tjhe gloves. Unfortunately Tarno cannot play the PK and for the most part gor=es out an dances with the other teams enforcer. There is a time and place for that and that is why it's emperative to balance your toughnes amongdst the lines. Malone and now maybe Rolston? I am absolutely giddy!

[Tony]

The sky's the limit with this ownership group!

[Nate Dizzle, Fo Shizzle]

Yes TJ, it is fun! After all the gloomy clouds have started to part, the sun is finally showing its face! It's just great to think of all the possiblites Melrose is gonna have at his disposal. It's gonna be like a kid running thru a candy store! Can't wait for the season to start!

[TJ]

And unless there are some major trades or other moves, it looks like we may not resign Andre....Too bad, he was a good guy in the locker room, but when he went ballistic, he was bad for the team. Nowhere to put him, even on the 4th line. And if we wanted to go "head hunting" we just sic Gary Roberts on 'em. Or Tarnasky. Or Grats. Or Arty. wow.

[Tom M]

Any hockey analyst worth his salt knows that goaltending wins Stanley Cups.

You can have a hockey orgasm over Stamkos, Malone, or any other free agent who can put the puck in the net. But until we find a solid netminder with Cup credentials, the current frenzy surrounding the draft and free agency may have catasrophic results of epic proportions if neither Smith nor Ramo are ready for prime-time.

[Don in St. Pete]

I love Andre Roy! I adore him and his monstrous slap shot but Brian Rolston? Ryan Malone? and Gary Roberts? give me a break if the sign Rolston we are on a level with Montreal and no longer a laugher but probably the toughest 2 road points in the league. ROCK ON OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bryan]

Tell that to Chris Osgood, Tom.

[WIZ]

Don, can I keep my house?

Rolston will be a tough sign, because he will want top dollar, and want to win quickly.

The Richards for Mike Smith trade really has to bear fruit, and I as you, am not convinced Smith can win the big game.
Having a team that can score pots full certainly help.

Barry Melrose says he'll use his AHL connections. yeah to find guys at $600,000 a year to round out the roster if Rolston is signed and the depth/baggage is dumped.
I guess the guys on this blog who, three months ago were convinced Michel Ouellet and Jussi Jokinen were the future will get a reality check.
Oh, and if you want an up to minute check as to whether Rolston signs, go to the Lightning website and check roster, as I see both Roberts and Malone are there with jersey numbers. When you see Rolston's name it is a deal.

[Doc]

Too bad for Halpern, he's not going to be returning unless a miracle happens.
Rehab is going very slow and he's considering another surgery.
That's coming from a doctor in Schaffer's office.

[Boltflasher]

I hope that's untrue for Halpern...but, its what I thought might be the case...I think the Bolts may have to plan that he won't be back, and then if he is, so much the better...Good luck, Jeff!!

[Mike13]

What the heck are they doing signing so many friggin' LWs? Unless somebody can play RW and nobody knows about it.

Also, Malone's deal being so front end loaded makes me gringe a little. What if he doesn't live up to the hype? It also makes shedding Brad's salary seem a little stupid --except for the Cap implications.

Does anyone else find it odd that these guys had to borrow $100-million from PS&E to buy the franchise, but then go and start signing guys to big $$ deals?

[Mike13]

Still though, I love the action that Koules is bringing to the team so far...

[Casper]

Now that my coffee is cold after reading the 'compendious' offerings (wink, wink), our old pal slapshot came up with a name I've not heard among the blathering for a long time.

Jason Williams.

Solid guy.

I hope we get the Malone that looked fierce during the second half of the year, not the previous clutz. Anyone know why his Dad was "shown the door" from scouting for Pittsburgh?

All the moving and shaking sounds nice, so far. Not crazy about throwing away picks though, hope that doesn't come back to bite us, unless we can recover some picks through the continued casting off of the cast offs.

Keep Darche, he's grittier than Perrin and we kind of missed him (At least MSL did.).

Next best thing to hear other than Brian Rolston buying a house locally and Feaster heading up I-75, is the hiring of a defensive Guru---something I don't consider Slick Mullet, Walz, or Tocchet to be.

Go Bolts!

[bingo]

mike13 - I don't see it odd at all. You make a 50% down payment on your house and finance the rest, is pretty normal for sport teams. It is not insane it is with a sharp tooth that these guys are purchasing assests for a run at the cup. Goaltending will still be a ?????? but no doubt that the team will help a bunch with the forwards and maturing 'D' on the team. I've not been this excited since the mid-way point of the 03 season and a run to our first post season experience with the Palace boys.
They said aggressive.... this is insane and we are all loving it.
Bingo

[Phil]

Getting Melrose? Getting an injury plagued Roberts and WAY overpaying for Malone, whose value doubled just by having Crosby and Malkin breath on him. It looks like a good offseason at a glance but no major needs have been addressed. The lightning still have arguably the worst defense and goaltending in the NHL and have done nothing to improve it. They pushed Vinny too quick and simple minded Melrose will probably do the same to Stamkos. The "Melrose effect" is already plaquing the lightning. All flash-no substance. Good luck, I hope it works.

[David]

this looks like a child playing video games.
why roberts? he has nothing left and it's a sign just to make a sign.
why no defense? like children, Koules only focuses on offense and not on defense.

this is a joke of an ownership.

[Tom M]

Not sure what you point is, Bryan, but Ozzie had "Cup credentials" long before 2008.

[Tommy Boy]

Dave, even under a different thread you are still a moron. Go be negative with all your little Canadian buddies. Loser!!!!!!!!!

[Tommy Boy]

Sorry, should have been David not Dave.....

[Don in St. Pete]

Malone was brought in for the intangibles too. Not just as a goal scorer. Rolston can run the PP from the point too.....another fact to remember. We have a lot of talent on D and while our performance last year didn't show that, the talent is there we just need to be healthy and watch the young D mature with some solid forwards playing in front of them.

[Twinebulge]

Dingo, Tom M and Ms. Ann O'Nymous are all rightly concerned about the pipes position. (Don don't worry the neggy anonymous guy is a "netminder" with a chip on his shoulder pads,,,,, and a thing for commas,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, harmless)
It's a fair point though about the uncertainty at the most important position on the ice and why does everyone assume Smith is so much better than Ramo? He did nothing to impress us last season that he's a rock-solid steady winning type that Ramo is not, or anything like that. Lost more than he won, caught out of h is net hotdogging a handful of times per game, forcing the d to nervously have to play net for him, you do the math. Playing the puck is certainly important but if he doesn't calm the hell down and play G instead of backchecking winger (and do it very quickly) under the new goalie coach, expe ct a new goalie. These new owners are obviously not screwing around and just resting on the previous regime's bottom-dollar AHL choices, it's enough with the bargain basement cost-cutting approach, they want an actual winning hockey TEAM (as opposed to the overpaid Rag$ of yore) in here right now and not a moment too soon

[léo]

Hey Shrink,
You prove again that you don't know how to read. You take a piece of thought and make it My Whole Opinion.
Had you taken the time to READ ON, you would not be making a fool of yourself as you are now.
I said that, yes. THEN I ADDED that if you throw 5mil at him! (which is toooo much), you would SHOCK him with money. Yes or no?
Think Malone would've signed for 1mil?
Fool. Out of context quoting fool. Read the whole post, then you tell me. Yes or no?
Now as fer Rolston,
Wow! Was I wrong about that! Thought fersure Minny would do everything to keep him. Hm, well.
But I got a question,
If you sign him, will the rumors about Boyle SUDDENLY become true? Will he be moved? (no-trade clause too) You got the dough for all these folks?
And where's the D? You're gonna end up with the same thing as last year, great on offense, zero on defense.
Say what you will about Brad, but he's a better player than Malone OR Rolston; what's the upgrade on D, now?
No D; no Show.
Yo.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, The show hasn't even started yet, but we look to be getting close to the cap if we sign Rolston so Boyle may indeed be on the block which would defintely bring us some serious defensive assets in return. The you would probably have to overpay a guy like Streit, Rozsival or Hainsey to take Boyle's place.