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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

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

[Mike13]

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

[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.

[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.

[Nate Dogg]

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

[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...