Negotiations could conclude tonight

If things keep going at the current pace, the Lightning could announce contracts for both Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts by later today. If that happens, give the Lightning credit for turning a tide that, for a while, seemed to be going against it.

First, Tampa Bay would never have made this trade with the Penguins if it did not think it could get something done before these players become unrestricted free agents on July 1. That said, the scuttlebutt went from high optimism after the trade was announced to perhaps some disappointment Saturday night when contracts were not quickly agreed to and Internet stories said Malone still was leaning toward free agency.

But seems owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie aren't taking no for an answer. They want these players badly, especialy Malone, who would drastically change the dynamic of how the Lightning approaches free agency. Get Malone and the focus can narrow. Lose Malone and, well, now the team has to scramble along with everyone else.

What are the deals? Sportsnet says $31-million for Malone over seven years. The deal for Roberts would be for up to $2-million including all kinds of performance bonuses.

Someone who should know, who asked not to be identified because he did not have authorization to speak, said the numbers are in the ballpark. Still sounds like there's a ways to go, and anything could happen, but it seems as if the Lightning might have things moving in the right direction.

    

Comments

[Don in St. Pete]

No name poster, your quoting of Leo was done quite liberally, which I know because his post was in response to one I made. What he said did and still does make sense. It's the way it's been in the NHL since free agency began. He said we would have a hard time convincing some of the players that had gotten within spitting distance of the cup to sign with a last place team. He said the players that were all about the money would be easier to lure here. Both of those comments make sense and in the normal ebb and flow usually work out that way for the most part. But what Leo and your's truly amongst others didn't forsee was the agressiveness and desire shown by our new owners.

[Leo's Shrink]

Well done son.

Yes, I fired up his inner hostility by questioning his comments but he has to learn to live with that. All human beings do. I'd prefer him facing reality rather than increase his dosage.

At this point, his visions of himself have surpassed any realm of reality. Let's leave him alone and hope he ultimately sees the light of true reality.

Remember son, drugs aren't always the answer. They help, but it's best to try and reason with the unreasonable first. We could make them all walking idiots with meds but aren't they already?

You're learning son, stay with me and you will continue to learn. I'm proud of you!!

[Inky]

Here I was hoping the idiotic shrink was sterile...

[Son of the Shrink]

"Too scared to put my name guy:"

I do not feel that it is fair or appropriate to call Leo names or to insult him in any way.

This fellow is one of those challenged individuals, screaming for help.

By calling him names, the fire of his anxiety is further fueled and he brings his personality problems back to the internet. Either find a way to help this unfortunate individual or ignore him, but there is no reason to be unkind. He indulges in acidic controversy just to get the attention so sadly denied to him in his non-blogging life.

[slapshot]

can't wait to see both these guys in a lightning jersey. Great move in rebuilding the franchise.

But $2-million is too much for Roberts, maybe somthing between $1-$1.5-million

and $4.5-million for Malone

2x $0.5-million=$1-million
We could use that money on a solid depth player, or for 2 good minor leauge guys.

[léo]

Hey,
Super-tough, "too scared to put my name" guy,
Could you refer me to the post where I said that, please?
I tend to present scenarios as POSSIBLE, not actual, so I know for a FACT I didn't say that, even if I used those words in different posts.
If it makes you feel better, I initially wanted to compare the Malone situation with Our Sundin situation, before realizing that the 2 were completely different. Sundin ain'y got NUTHIN' to prove to NOBODY, so whether he okayed the transfer is irrelevant. It's still HIS call.
But uh...
Show me the post where I said Malone WOULDN'T sign in TB BECAUSE you suck.
Please.
No-name boy.
(Funny how he refers to me as the guy who knows everything but POUNCES with pride when I can't SEE the future.) Sorry. My success-rate is 89%.
That's still not bad.
Called Spain vs Germany. (If that counts...)
Viva!
P.

now now, please temper your thoughts. leo has already said that Malone doesn't want to come here because we suck. we all know he knows everything.

how ya feel now dumb @$$?

thanks for continuing to share your misinformation.

hows your foot taste stupid @$$?

[BE]

Excellent news. Definitely a good trade then for the Bolts if they can indeed lock these two up before the 1st.

Either way, something tells me that this will be an interesting FA period with Koules and The Gang calling the shots.

[Wade]

That's great to have a guy driving to the net for the stamkos line, he sort of reminds me of Thomas Holmstrom by the way he can take the beatings in front, and still keep on his feet and tap in the rebounds.