Lightning starts fast; contacts Vrbata, Kolzig

Nothing officially from the team but it is believed the Lightning already has made contact with representatives for left wing Radim Vrbata, who scored 27 goals last season for the Coyotes, and goalie Olaf Kolzig.

Makes sense. Vrbata's stock took off when Brian Rolston turned down the Lightning's offer. As coach Barry Melrose said this morning, he could play the right side and the second-unit power play. He also is good on the penalty kill, and was plus-6 last season.

Kolzig would be a terrific mentor for Mike Smith, and coach Barry Melrose, this morning, indicated the team "had some goalie issues we need to take care of." There apparently has been an internal debate as to whether backup Karri Ramo needs some more seasoning in the minors. If Kolzig agrees, that would end the debate. And Kolzig, 38, would be a proved replacement if Smith, who has never played a season as a No. 1, falters. Kolzig apparently still wants to start, but a meaningful backup gig might be worth considering.

Comments

[Stacey]

Nice start! I like it already...

[Don in St. Pete]

Sportsnet.ca is reporting Vrbata signed at $3mil per, doesn't mention length of contract! Rock on OK! GO BOLTS!

[G]

Those two would be nice additions to the club.

No matter who we sign at forward or defense, a good team and meaningful season starts at goal.

No goalie, no season, no playoffs, no Cup.

[G]

As "Don in St. Pete" mentioned, sportsnet.ca is reporting the Bolts signed Vrbata to a 3-year contract worth $9 million.

[Geografer]

Vrbata - 3 years - $9 million contract (per sportsnet)

[Mike13]

Kolzig is the right kind of G we need here. A fantastic mentor for Smith & he is as solid as they come in the locker room. For many years, we was considered the unofficial Captain of the Capitals. He never wore the "C" becuase Goalies aren't allowed.

[GM George]

Kolzig has been washed up for 3 years.
Don't bother

[Bryan]

Kolzig will be a fantastic mentor.

[Patrick]

I much prefer the signing of Vrbata over Rolston. Rolston is for sure a more reliable scorer, but Vrbata is much younger with hopefully still some offensive upside. He's probably going to be cheaper as well.

I personally like the young goalie tandem we have. They both need experience. If neither one stands out during camp, play them as a 1A and 1B and see who earns more time.

[ZMan CAPS FAN]

KOLZIG can't stop a beach ball.

[JR]

This is by far the stupidest of many questionable moves being made in order to 'make a spalsh'. You have two young, promising goaltenders that need to play. And Kolzig is delusional.

[josh]

Kolzig is also the goalie who happens to stand on his head time and agian whenever the Bolts played Washington. He stole games and points, and that's what we need

GREAT signing if possible.

[ZMan CAPS FAN]

You stupid Tampa Fans are screwed! Why on Earth would your GM sign Oldie Kolzig?

[Kyle]

ZMan CAPS FAN because he is a veteran who can help mentor the young goalies and has similar career stats to your new keeper, even while playing with much worse defensemen.

Please stop trolling the Lighting sites and ask your GM why he let go of Huet.

[Lisa]

I love the Vrbata signing more than Rolston due to his age. With Vrbata, we are gettig a player in the prime of his career, who will probably continue to improve instead of a player who is on the downswing of his career. Great move.

I would have liked to see Ramo and Smith, but I can understand that they feel both Ramo and Smith need to play, so Ramo would do better having one more year in Norfolk.