Lightning gets Rolston's rights (updated)

Details to come but the Lightning has acquired the negotiating rights to Wild forward Brian Rolston for a conditional draft choice. Rolston, 35, has three consecutive 30-goal seasons, 96 goals total., and on Tuesday can become an unrestricted free agent free to sign with any team.

In its simplest form, the Lightning traded a third-round pick in 2010 for Rolston, but the compensation could become either a third- or fourth-round pick in 2009 based on several factors. See if you can follw this:

(a) If at any time before the commencement of the 2009 Entry Draft Tampa Bay acquires a fourth round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft, Tampa Bay shall assign that fourth round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft to Minnesota in return for Tampa Bay’s own 3rd round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft.

(b) If Tampa Bay signs Brian Rolston for any portion of the 2008-2009 NHL season, and the transfer described in paragraph (a) above has occurred, the Wild shall return the fourth round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft from paragraph (a) to Tampa Bay, and Tampa Bay shall transfer to the Wild the option of:

(i) San Jose’s third round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft (currently held by Tampa Bay), or

(ii) Tampa Bay’s own third round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft

The option shall be exercised by the Wild, at the latest, when Tampa Bay’s turn to exercise San Jose’s third round.

Comments

[léo]

Those days are certainly NOT gone, Marlboro. Take the Red-wings for example, their stars have been together for "ages". They're a dang family.
However, I see what you're saying. The Flyers proved that you can quickly build a contender.
And maybe cuz I live in the French "Hockey-Crazy" North, so that it scares potential FAs that I'm just repressing my jealousy, in that We CAN'T guarantee Anonymity, Less tax, No language issue, and year-round super-sunniness with no snow, frost, sleet or natural ice in sight.
There's ANOTHER term in hockey for buying Fas every year, Marlboro. It's called: Patching.
You BETTER win. Cuz if you don't? Look at Toranna, Atlanta and the Isles...
I persist: You can INFUSE solidarity to a team by adding a dog'o'war here and there, but TEAM solidarity stems from Unity, and Unity takes time.
The salary cap LIMITS buying players, Marlboro. That's why DEVELOPING players is so important, especially NOW.
That being said,
Wow!
Staggeringly active, indeed.
P.

[Twinebulge]

It's only about 10 pm right now...lotta hockey left before the buzzer

Then there's like a 12-hr OT :)

OK Hockey's done OK so far, these next 36 hours will be interesting

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Leo critisizes the "George Steinbrenner" strategy that the Bolts are employing because he thinks that championships are home grown like they were in the 70's. Those days are long gone. However, it is important to cultivate a farm system, but the Bolts have proven in the past that it is not necessary to win a Stanley Cup. Winning now is crucial for several reasons. The fan base has diminished since the lock out, and being in a small market town like Tampa, it is critical to maintain a winning atmosphere year after year. Waiting for draft picks to mature so you can "rebuild" is less than a 50/50 shot. Look at how many top round choices actually pan out throughout the league. Rarely do NHL draft picks in mature into the superstars that are key players needed win championships. Out of 50 or 60 top round draft choices, maybe 5 are top notch NHL players. Occasionally teams get lucky, like Tampa did in 1998 or like Pittsburg did when they got Malkin and Crosby. Barrie is doing the right thing...he's going to the Grocery store so he can make a fine dinner now... he knows if he waits for the farmer to grow the products he needs, a crop failure may occur before he can harvest.

I greatly appreciate these moves by the new ownership. The farm system has been broke along time and it won't get fixed over night. It may take alot of work and restructuring before it is decent again anyway. Finally, it looks like the new Lightning organization has circumvented the stupidity of the past with brave and bold decisions in the present. This tells me that this is more than just a business venture for Oren Koules, its a passion. Thank goodness for the great new changes. Barry Melrose has got himself a real team to coach.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, I'm not worried until Free Agency is over and we're sitting with the same roster we have now. We have some extra assets if we sign Rolston, and while none could be traded for a top 4 D-man by himself, perhaps we could put together a package without moving Boyle. Boyle's No Trade Clause kicks in tomorrow so if he's going to be dealt it will likely be today. I like Danny, I'm just not sure he'll ever be the same after the injury last season. Len Barrie says we're not done yet so I have no reason to worry, yet. I'm to busy celebrating, though we overpaid Malone, and will probably have to overpay Rolston to get him to sign today. I am starting to worry about cap implications, though OK and the gang seem to be playing it carefree right now. Ask me the same question at the end of the day tomorrow.

[léo]

Defense wins championships, Don. Not chutzpah.
But if Rolston signs on, wow. You're favored in the south-east.
Still say you're weak on defense. If Boyle then leaves...
Aren't y'all worried about this? Same team as last year. Big O; no D.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

To the 2 Dave's, Don't worry about the draft picks. We had 2 exra coming next year anyway from the Prospal and Leach trades. We will also have extra spare parts that will likely be dealt for picks including Ward, Craig and Tarnasky all possibly on the block. Leo, You've got to admire the chutzpah of these new owners, no?

[Don in St. Pete]

Twine and MM, The feeling is mutual believe me. I'll bet Barry is pinching himself right now. Rock on OK hockey! Reel in Rolston and watch out Hockey Bay USA!

[tundo]

I dont mind trading away the draft picks for NHL ready players. Plus, we will re-acquire draft picks at the end of the year if were not any good by trading guys like Rolston and Roberts. And if we are good, then I'm not concerned with the draft picks as much anyways...

[léo]

I always admit when I'm wrong, Tommy. Ask around.
But could you show me when I "claimed" that no FA would EVER sign here? Please. Yeah, just copy and paste it.
As for saying that TB wouldn't sign any big-time players, you obviously misunderstood. I said TB SHOULDN'T sign big-time players, because you are rebuilding, and bringing in big-timers is moving things too fast for the new kids in your line-up. That's what I said. True or false?
Hey, y'all want me to be your nemesis, that's cool. Hit me.
But don't put words in my mouth to satisfy y'all's pride. Hit me fair.
Arguing and peacocking against something I never said is Absolute Weakness. Especially if it flatters your fancy; that's not what hockey's about.
I'll tell you what I was wrong about, Tommy: that Minnisota LET ROLSTON GO. That's got NOTHING to do with TB, or anything I said about FAs. Any team could have signed him and I'd STILL be wrong.
You want credit for THAT?
Ok, well done.
P.

[David]

Like the other David I'm a little worried about trading away the draft picks since we're already sparse, but I'm also shopping for a new tv for some Bolt watching this coming year.

We will at least be watchable, and we should take the Southleast division. Defense is still a concern, I think Smith/Ramo should be at least average if not above average.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Not the Marlboro Man is happier than a bum with a gift card to ABC Liquors. This can't be Feaster's doing, because these are intelligent hockey decisions. Rolston IMO, is the absolute best aquisition in FA...he's a no brainer like Stamkos. Speed, defense, scoring, experience with no bad baggage...all of which Rolston possesses. If he goes on line #2 with Molone, thit will mean that the Bolts will have 4 viable lines, something that we have never had before. Now if we can get just one more experienced defender, maybe like a Rob Blake....we will be back in the hunt for a Cup again. Worst to first baby!

Now I can drink for positive reasons and I won't mind spending those $8 for a beer at the Forum....happy days are here again!

[Twinebulge]

IMHO the future is something to concern yourself with when you already have the present mostly dealt with...very similar to the energy situation we find ourselves facing...we didn't worry about the future and develop alt. energy 10-12 years ago when the present was dealt with and gas was $.89 a gallon so now we pay $4-5 and the future technologies are lagging behind while billions and billions of barrels snooze under our own soil waiting to come out...we shouldve been driving solar by now

NOW is the time to focus on the team winning NOW...as we look to the future

clear as mud :p

[McGz]

Has it been confirmed other than on TSN that Greg Malone was hired as head scout? If so this is a dramatic improvement in the scouting department. Hopefully Raeder is the new goalie coach (another huge upgrade).

[Brian B.]

Wow... I'm speechless... this is just awesome!!!! I just hope Mullet Man knows what to do with all this firepower.

[phantom]

Malone & Rolston are good on Special teams, so we will get some much needed help on the powerplay & penalty kill.

[slapshot]

Wow, our powerplay will be the best.

Malone Laecavalier St.louis

Boyle Rolston

and the 2nd unit will be good as well

Prospal Stamkos Oullet

Kuba Ranger

[Drew]

I don't think the lightnings mid round draft history can really qualify as us trading away the future. I am almost excited by getting new head scout, malones dad, as getting the new players. We may be good next year, but if we want to sustain it we are going to have to step up the scouting. Kudos to Oren for realizing this, lets hope we back up the acquisitions, free agent spending sprees does not always equal instant success. But dont get me wrong I am downright giddy haha.

[Tommy Boy]

Hey, Moron David, get a clue..... Go take a long walk off a short pier with the other loser Lightning basher's. Speaking, where's Leo? What, since he claimed a.) No FA would want to come here and b.)The Bolts wouldn't sign any big time FA, he doesn't have the balls to take it like a man and admit he was WRONG!!!!!!!! Figures, typical Canadians......

[Don in St. Pete]

Yes, I am a bit hungover this am and tired as hell, but luxuriating in the knowledge our Bolts have become a powerhouse in 24 hours. Hope we can sign Rolston today and OK and the gang can rest and watch the other teams beat each other up over the remaining free agents.

[David]

this is becoming a disaster!!!!!!!!!!!!!
STOP TRADING THE FUTURE OF THE FRANCHISE, our minors are severely depleted; trading draft choices is a horrible move.

[Bryan]

The beer is strictly conditional.

Condition A. Beer will be dispersed amongst the celebratory crowd accordingly upon the signing of Brian Rolston

Condition B. Beer will be dispersed amongst the celebratory crowd accordingly upon the acquisition of some form of pork, chicken, of beef product that has been cooked to spec.

Condition B-1, in the case of steak, all steak will be medium and seared to perfection

Condition B-2, in the case of pork, it will be ribs and it will be basted before grilling in the appropriate manner

Condition B-3, in the case of chicken, it will be seasoned and slathered in BBQ sauce.

At no point in any of these conditions may Mr. Feaster approach my plate.

[Voice of the Turtle]

I shall be calling my Lightning representative tomorrow to order my playoff tickets.

Koules and Barrie deserve an enormous amount of credit for going after the right guys and producing results in their negotiations. Every team in the league is now aware that something is happening with the Tampa Bay franchise, and this ownership team deserves all the support that the hockey fans in this town can bring to bear.

What a weekend!

[Nate Dizzle Fo Shizzle]

Thanks, Wahls...VERY specific. Muchos gracias, amigo!

[TJ]

Or he got into Bryan's beer.

[TJ]

Don't not drunk....just dog tired, like the rest of us (LOL)...It's been one heck of a day. Who needs to wait for the free agent signing period? We'll just trade for their rights then sign 'em out from under everyone else's nose BEFORE anyone else can talk to them...

[bob]

hey don, beatss of the east, exestant, sqalivate. you drunk? just messing with you.

love the moves we are making

[Don in St. Pete]

The new owners caught a little flak for going up to opposing GM's to see what they thought when it was time for us to draft, but I see now that they were guaging their competitiona nd realized that their agressive posture gave them the upper hand. I look forward to toasting the signings of Malone, Robert and Rolston tomorrow and then watching the fool sqalivate over each other for what they missed. It will be a tough camp this year and players like Grats, Darche and Tarno will have to excel to got the spot. First time in years we have players fighting for a spot. Leo has been non-exestant so he must be having convulsions because even he would have to admit if we can sign Rolston, along with prospal, Malone and Roberts, that trumps the Habs signing Sundin or Hossa. Watch out we will be the Beats's of the East!

[Michael]

Your right, even after I submited it, I realized I was a little too excited, but still, this team has the potential to be GREAT!!

[TJ]

Wahls-Glad you could explain that. Now I have to study it a bit and see if I can understand it...

[TJ]

Nate-
word right now is a conditional pick in 2009 or 2010. Gotta see if they can sign him before they know which pick.

And Bryan, you can have the beef. I'll take the beer. And still watch that 4th line pound the sh, uh, I mean the heck out of any opponent.

[wahls]

Nate, basically Minny gets our 4th rounder that we gave Pit if we don't sign him (there was some other crazy stipulation about if we happened to come into possession of a 4th round pick before the draft, blah blah blah because Malone isn't "officially" signed yet, but since he might as well be, they will be getting that pick) and then if we do sign him, we get the 4th back and they get to choose either our 3rd round pick in 2010 or San Jose's 3rd round pick in 2009.

My God this is exciting! As of right now I am loving Oren and Len. With Walz as our new assistant, maybe he can convince Rolston to come down here. Who else did we sign in the office that might have some connection to any other free agents we might target? We seem to be having an inside scoop with these guys!

Official wording:
The Wild trades the rights to player Brian Rolston to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Tampa Bay’s own 3rd round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft.

(a) If at any time before the commencement of the 2009 Entry Draft Tampa Bay acquires a 4th Round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft, Tampa Bay shall assign that 4th round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft to Minnesota in return for Tampa Bay’s own 3rd round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft.

(b) If Tampa Bay signs Brian Rolston for any portion of the 2008-2009 NHL season, AND the transfer described in paragraph (a) above has occurred, the Wild shall return the 4th round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft from paragraph (a) to Tampa Bay, AND Tampa Bay shall transfer to the Wild the option of:

(i) San Jose’s 3rd round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft (currently held by Tampa Bay), OR

(ii) Tampa Bay’s own 3rd Round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft

The option shall be exercised by the Wild, at the latest, when Tampa Bay’s turn to exercise San Jose’s 3rd round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft is called from the podium.

[McGz]

I just read it was a conditional 2010 third round draft pick for Rolston. I'm getting really stoked about these signings! Size and skill go together well. Let's get Rolston signed for something reasonable though please. 4-5 mil for 3 yrs tops.

[Nate Dizzle Fo Shizzle]

DC, any word yet as to what that draft pick is at this point (Rolston being unsigned)? And what it will become if he does sign?

[Mark]

I guess waiting to battle eveyone else for malone, Roberts and Rolston is not an option. They said they were going to be aggressive and they have lived up to the statement. These guys have guts!!! Rolston will be brilliant. Stamkos has got to feel like a million bucks right now.

[Bryan]

Hahaha, a lot of beef on the fourth line. Jesus, someone get me a guiness.

[Bryan]

1. A high firepower top line: check.
2. A powerful, yet very defensively responsible second line: check.
3. A third line that can provide more points for cheap and clicked well last season: check
4. A lot of beer on the 4th to take a chunk of flesh out of the opponent: check.

Combine that with a defensively responsible system (see: defensemen not deeper in the offensive zone than forwards) and you have a team that can run away with a division. I'm not saying they will, but i'm sure as hell not going to say they can't.

[shane]

Wow, I'm loving this, not ONE person has said a negative/mean thing this whole thread! isn't it nicer to be nice? nicey nice nice?

[mike]

YES PLEASE sign him!!!!!!!!!!
LETS GO LIGHTNING

[David (Clearwater, Fl)]

This is fantastic! I share your man crush Bryan. Rolston is a bad@##. How's this sound for a Power Play; Rolston, Boyle, Malone, Lecavalier, and St. Louis? Sounds pretty damn good to me. They might score 25-30% of the time with that lineup.

[Boltflasher]

Michael, PLEAZZEE!!!, playoffs, maybe, at least, they should make a run at them...faves for CUP, no...that lies with Canadians/Sundin...you can not talk cup with the questionable Defense and goaltending...please get a grip...

[Michael]

Well, I think the Lightning are going to be faorates for the Cup/ or atleast the division. Yes, the defence is still shakey, but will be better this year, and yes the goalie is a MAJOR fear, but I think they will be back in the playoffs next year.

[Tony]

First Malone now Rolston?!?! Excellent! The new owners aren't fooling around!

[Boltflasher]

I am totally blown away...please don't wake me up! Still, they have to sign him but they way they are going its probably going to happen...Wow!! I know, I know, we still have to sign or trade for a D-man but the team is already dramatically better than 1 year ago. Its fun to have ownership that is at least trying...

No, I don't think Kolzig is coming here....I think we'll see a 2 goalie system until one starts standing out...not sure either is up to the full season grind anyway so it would make sense..

[TroyB]

Just told my Wife that the Lightning are pissing me off. They add Rolston to the line up and I guess I must eat my words and pony up season tix renewal.

[Bryan]

I admit, I got a man crush on Rolston... love the style of play, the cannon... all I can say is

OH MY GOD
OH MY GOD
OH MY GOD
OH MY GOD
OH MY GOD
OH MY GOD
OH MY GOD

[Cleo]

Way to go, OK!

Schnikey, this is exciting!

[Justin]

Wow, Koules and Barrie really want to win.