Who's next?

Lightning owner Oren Koules said the Lightning is not done trading this summer for both bodies and draft choices. Who is next to go? Well, Koules wouldn't say. But we can make some educated guesses.

Given the stocking up that has gone on it at forward, it seems there are some extras up front that are good candidates. The most notable probably is Jussi Jokinen. The left wing was inconsistent in his time in Tampa after being acquired from the Stars in the Brad Richards trade. And he just doesn't seem to fit right now.

With Marty St. Louis and Vinny Prospal playing with center Vinny Leecavalier; Ryan Malone and Radim Vrbata with center Steve Stamkos;  Gary Roberts and, for now, Michel Ouellet with center Jeff Halpern; and perhaps Nick Tarnasky and Evgeny Artyukhin, when he is signed, with center Ryan Craig, Jokinen seems left out. Ouellet shouldn't get too comfortable either, though his fine play with Halpern last season should mean Tampa Bay can be more choosy when working on deals.

What does Tampa Bay need? Another defenseman; not necessarily a star, but a 15- to 17-minute lockdown guy, a veteran who can add some stability to what will be a young blue line.

Will it happen right away? Not necessarily. But don't blink. The way things have been going this summer, you might miss it.

Comments

[Tom M]

Without throwing anyone under the bus, the Lightning can stand to lose a few of the minor leaguers on its roster who masqueraded last season as legitimate NHL players.

[Cleo]

coughjasonsmithcough

[Beau]

The Lightning have signed Zenon Konopka. He will likely get a shot at the 4th line center spot.

I sure hope they bring in a legitimate heavy to make sure nobody touches Stamkos.

[JEG]

Beau, if you think they need to get a heavy to protect Stamkos, then you have obviously never seen Malone play, he is more than capable of protecting the kid.

[Beau]

JEG, I have seen Malone many times and watched most of his fights. Believe me, Malone is a good teammate and would surely stick up for Steven or any other Bolt, but he cannot handle the likes of a Laraque, Brashear, Belak, Godard, or any other "true" heavyweight fighter in the league.

Don't get me wrong, I like Malone, but he just isn't capable of hanging in there with the big boys.

[Boltflasher]

Guys, remember Artukhin? He destroyed Chris Gratton and many others backed down from him...

[KyleFreadrich43]

Are you serious?

Destroyed Chris Gratton? The over-sized mangina wouldn't even take his shield off. Yeah, real rugged guy there.

As for anyone backing down from him, I'll believe it when I see it. Having guys that don't fight and are half your size backing down from you is not intimidation.

Malone can't take the heat FOR someone coming after Stamkos, he can try and keep it OFF him though. People have to remember, Malone, was signed not only to give Stamkos' line some size, but also because he's effective offensively.

Though I don't mind Kenopka, he's an Admirals signing, I don't see him making the team unless there's injuries.

I'm still wondering what's to become of Gratton and Roy. They seemed pretty adamant about keeping both when they took over, and neither seems to be being pursued by other teams.

[Bingo]

OK - Donkey Incorporated. If any of you believe Vincent is not the next to go get a grip. When OK - DONKEY talked last August he loved, Richie and Oh my god what a player Boyle and Vincent were blah blah blah. There is nothing from the perspective of a team that I would trust from their mouths. I fully expect Vinny to be traded and sent out for another round of "I stole the kitchen sink from the San Jose Sharks". Listen you smart stupid fans this trade will pay off in 2 - 4 years you just watch and see. They have made their splash and now are working to cut back cap space to the 44 - 45 mil dollar number. Leaving 3 mil on the table for that next monster trade.
As I've stated if I'm Vincent I add a clause to any contract signing. If you ask me to waive my no trade contract it will cost you an extra 10 million dollars. Sign here Thank You. Now I can trust you cause you don't have the money.

Yes, Danny will laugh all the way to the bank and enjoy a great year in San Jose. BTW: Smith he's gone too remember the rumor mill they denounced with such aplomb....... Yep Donkey man has a new toy. Oink Oink Oink

[Steve]

Who's next? How about Feaster and the chief of scouting Groetzgen(sp)?

[Jake]

Bingo, about 3 things made sense in that entire rant of yours and they were OINK OINK OINK.

[geo]

So u are not tough if you wear a shield get a grip folks Let then go back to the old real tough days no helmets etc. I remember watching Sawchuk play o face mask or helmet in goal If he did that now he would be called stupid not tough. get a grip.

[Fuzzynipples]

Thanks OK, for the big booming fireworks this year, and not some cheesy sparklers. I have to say I like bingo's new take, OK- Donkey. I still say the zit-faces are going to force you to a new name though...

Konopka to the Admirals.

Just who are the coaches there? It's our future and we can only breathe easier knowing Ty Wishart won't be tutored by the great Darren Rumble.

Who's getting inside the heads of our future gems?

[Steve]

We signed David Koci, so he would be the heavy if we need one in the lineup. If not, he has a two way contract and can play in Norfolk. I know Chara broke his face in a fight, but who would do well against Chara. Koci is adequate to take on other "heavys" and has already done so in his brief NHL career.

Next up, Jason Smith!

[Don in St. Pete]

Bingo, Get over it. I'm sure OK and Len do appreciate the talents of Brad and Danny, but this is a business after all and in an effort to improve the team and the pipeline, they had to make some tough decisions. Vinny and Marty aren't going anywhere. There will be more minor deals all aimed at improving the defense for the upcoming season. Ok has said mid-cap level which is $48mil+. We're at about $50mil now. We're also a muche better team than we were a month ago. I'm excited at the prospects of the Lightning this season and anxious for training camp and the season to begin. Take your sour whining somewhere else. Go Bolts!

[Rudy]

I believe, owners have a right to trade anybody and anywhere anytime they fill like. That is a BUSSINES. I don’t believe in no trading clause at all. Right opportunity, right move. That way those players getting big bugs. And Danny, what is wrong with Atlanta? They end up ahead of us last year.

I was disrespected by E Trade, I bought 5000 shares for 15$ and over weekend it’s went down to $3.2.

[Another Joe]

I agree everyone like sBoyle and thinks he is a good player. Howeveer Ive kept saying it throughout the other topics it was his contract that did him in here. To much money for to long at his age. Thats the bottom line on why boyle was traded. And by adding Lukowich the shed another million dollars off payroll the next two years.

They are rebuilding this team and in my opinion are doing a good job, and making tough choices. Marty, Vinny4, and Stamkos are the only untouchables.

Id like to see Kuba gone also.

WHERE DOES J. WARD FIT?

[jjc617]

Kuba and jussi should be gone for maybe some more pick/prospects that would clear around 5 mil from the cap then were sitting around the 46 mil. we should have like 2-3 mill to go sign a vet d man

[James]

I think it's a mistake to trade Jussi Jokinen. I'd rather put him on a line with ouellet and halpern and move roberts to a 4th line. And who's to say Artyukhyn is even going to make the team out of training camp. He wasn't that impressive when he was here other than being big and fast. Whos' to say he's improved or not? Simply because his name appears in print? Move some of the other forwards down to the minors and package one or two with a first rd pick and get a JasonSmith or trade picks and a forward for Schneider. That would probably take our 2 first rounders though but with the departure of Boyle, we need it.

[Marv]

Yeah, like I believe this: "Lightning owner Oren Koules said the Lightning is not done trading this summer for both bodies and draft choices"
Appreciate what you have done OK but, when you mis-represent the truth, where does it end? Yeah, it is business but, you can have integrity and still be a good businessman. Now probably no one believes they can trust you.

[Don in St. Pete]

I too would love to keep Jokinen, I'm just not sure he has the grit to play on the checking line. Maybe I'm wrong and it would be worth a shot. Ward definitely doesn't fit in anywhere I can see. I hear Carolina is lookina to move Kaberle for a winger. This could be a good fit for us and he only earns about $2.5 mil per. Stay tuned.

[Casper]

The mere movement of bringing in Vaclav or Vrbata signalled a lapse in confidence that Jussi can do the job, next to Stevie or anyone else on this club.

Ta-ta, and I wish things were better postured for the guy. Coming in during Tortorella's 'Bride of Frankenstein' routine and not lighting up the world put Jussi out there? That's a tough one to swallow, where Boyle's whining gets no sympathy from Jokinen.

[TS-SS]

Lecavalier is next... their slowly disbanding our team, just you watch.

[kg]

this is the worst. maybe they should contact bobby orr for some extra pay....

[Steve Ott]

What worries me about the way OK has handled the Boyle trade is in what it says to Vinny. A no trade clause is worthless, mgmt lies, and Stamkos is their younger future. So Vinny wants to stay in Tampa. So did Boyle. When trust is gone people start looking at their options. People will do business with a liar once, then they start looking for a new partner. Also, why do you hire an assistant with a gambling problem? Coaches,Gambling and sports used to be taboo. Ask Pete Rose.

[pensfan]

How often are the heavyweights like Laraque, Brashear, Belak, or Godard the ones taking runs at your star players though? Malone will serve you guys fine riding shotgun for Stamkos.

If you guys are still looking for a defenseman, you can have Darryl Sydor back. He's due $2.5M for one more year, we've already got 6 other D on one-way deals (plus Letang and Goligoski), and you guys seem to like acquiring former Penguins anyway. =)

[Don in St. Pete]

Vinny is not going anywhere.....unless he doesn't sign his new contract when he would almost certainly be traded at the deadline. Vinny's contract includes a No Movement Clause. This means they can't put him on waivers or trade him without his consent. To veryone who jumped off the deepend after the Boyle trade, I hope you wore a life jacket. They are not dismantling the team, but making us competitive. there will be more moves to improve our defense, but V4 will not be one of them, nor will MSL. Thanks pensfan but you can keep Sydor.

"I believe, owners have a right to trade anybody and anywhere anytime they fill like. That is a BUSSINES. I don’t believe in no trading clause at all. Right opportunity, right move. That way those players getting big bugs. And Danny, what is wrong with Atlanta? They end up ahead of us last year. I was disrespected by E Trade, I bought 5000 shares for 15$ and over weekend it’s went down to $3.2."

Big bugs?

From the looks of things maybe the stock market whether up or down would be something to avoid :)

[Badbud]

NTC, NMC,,,,Just words on paper nothing more. They want to get rid of you they are going to get rid of you.

If they ask you to waive it,you might as well start looking for where you want to go,Plus why would you stay in place that made clear they want to get rid of you. If you are not in their plans,you gotta go, if you want to really pay.

[PD]

Heh Don from St Petes, could you possibly be a shill for OK and Barrie. Just askin.

You parachuted in here a couple months prior to the sale and have been non stop bliovating about their moves and telling us what to think 4 or 5 times a day.

Guess what? This worst team team in the league ain't any better.. just different.

We way overpaid for Malone and Vrbata=Feds at best. Richards and Boyle are gone. That's 150 plus points to replace yet alone improve on.

With DB gone ,we now sport the worst 6 man defence in the league and have a couple of back up/discarded goalies.

Did I mention no grit and a cartoon coach.

There are no talented kids here or at Norfolk.That's the backbone of any winning NHL team..none other than Stamkos our reward for sucking the most.

Can't buy them Don, have to grow your own. Takes a lonnng time and Bolts haven't even started.

How about a managment team that lies to its best players? Don't count on Vinny being an idiot.

But at least we have a pom pom boy leading us on Don from St Pete.

Starting to sound like Bagdad Bob.

[olin storahund]

....OK- how about steve montador, better yet JayBo, I am amazed at all the goings on this past week- I have been busy with work and no time to post, but we still need a vet top 6 D-man.

[Bingo]

OK = Donkey.

The players who are left to be traded for IMHO a preparation to move to Vegas in the next 2-3 years.
And that move would be just for business. Remember Donaldson from Detroit is on the hook for the lease with the county. That was another shrewd business move on the part of the OK group in preparation for the move to Vegas.

Jokinen - 1.85

Oulette - 1.30

V4 - 8.5 no value after 3 years he will be traded.

Gratton - Gone unless he will sign for 700k.

Darche - Gone

Ward - Gone

roy - gone

MacDonald - Gone

Arty - Stays grats/roy replacement

Craig - 775 not sure why they resigned him unless it is for trade bait.

O'brien - 1.2 mil If they could get a 3rd or 4th round pick I'd move him. Slow feet no reaction always beat to the outside. Does not make use of his body...... Another round tubby trade from the buffet man.

Janik - Gone, maybe norfolk not sure how much eligibility he has left?

Halpern - 2mil they may end up eating this one. Not sure he will be back from injury. Rumors from the OK Corral state he's done so this will allow oK to carry a 48mil payroll for PR purposes and still be reimbursed from the Insurance CO. They will keep him for that purpose.

Karlson - Gone a Feasty Special double Latte with extra creme.

Smith - current contract 995 new one coming to set up another trade? Not sure but it does make one want to ask the question, Why would I do a contract extension with an unknown, unproven product? Yes, some say he's the new kid on the block but it's the same group saying it? Can we trust the statements?

this is the rule related to AHL Veterans / NHL players.
In the AHL, You can only dress 5 veteran players. A Veteran player is one who has played 260 games total in the following leagues... NHL, AHL & European Premier League. Any combination of those leagues' games add up to 260, makes him a veteran. Basically, Anyone with 3.5 years of experience in the AHL & NHL combined is a veteran.

Now the ???? is how many of the free agent players recently picked up from the wires and designated for Norfolk will qualify? I don't know what that is but it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Bingo

[Bingo]

E Trade boy.... try shorting the market. Take the banks to the cleaners LEH / C one of them will be the next $2 stock. Enjoy the tip it will make up for your loses.

Or if your looking to go long.... try AEM, NEM, GG, GLD, OIH. FRG, URZ, CCJ are uranium plays.

You can also short UPS, FDX, DRYS, RIMM, GOOG, AAPL. NVDA after a bounce will be another good short.

Now let's return to the Hockey Chat ya think?

[pd]

Bingo you are becoming my favorite blogger here in the spin zone.I think you might get a second for Obrien , 3rd for sure.

What did we pay that nice man Mr Burke.
a 1st

I'll steal those stock tips.Thx

[Michael]

Bingo, the reason for a Mike Smith contract extention is simple. It isnt going to be a HUGE contract, and if he has a breakout year, and is a free agent next offseason, can we get into a bidding war with other teams looking for a starting goalie? Probably not, so why not lock him up now, and then have an extra year to work out an extension. If it dosnt work out with Smith, oh well, nothing lost by giving him another year at a small contract. Better than signing him to a huge deal like Marc Denis, and having him fail, right?

[Badbud]

PD,Let go of the past...Just how many home grown players were on the Cup winning team?

Course as bad as you think the Lightning is WHY would stay even a casual fan??

BTW, FYI Bolye had already been over paid by 1.5-2 Mill and 2 years.

[Bingo]

Badbud - the thing about being a fan is you are always a fan, regardless of what happens. The fact that a new ownership crew comes in speaks truth and in the first week goes belly up....... What did you expect? Go onto some of the northern blogs and see what a real rant is about teams, players and owners. It does not mean they are not fans. It means they do give a rats $$$$$ about the team and players. Not just where they are in the standings.
Think of it this way until Thursday - there was little or nothing bad to say about the new OWNERS..... we were all happy with the direction..... now? It sure is sticking it to the fans and players in the room. Sort of the UP YOURS.....

[john]

"Guess what? This worst team team in the league ain't any better.. just different."

Ahhh. intelligence at it's finest. Must have been the president of the Dan Boyle/Brad Richards fan club. Get over it!!! Last place sports teams DO NOT stand idly by why the team gets worse. Had Boyle not made a zillion turnovers and be a -20 something in his limited playing time last season or if the Bolts had a winning record with him,(instead of 11 games under .500) things may have been different.

[john]

"The players who are left to be traded for IMHO a preparation to move to Vegas in the next 2-3 years.
And that move would be just for business. Remember Donaldson from Detroit is on the hook for the lease with the county."

You can't teach stupid... Where do people come up with this shi#?

[Jimmy]

I think reading Rudy's comments above have made me dumber. Rudy, you really need to learn to spell business before you talk business. Also, no one cares how much money you lost in ignorant stock trades. Koules did what he had to do, although he didn't go about it the right way. Boyle did deserve a little bit more respect than he got. The guy was a good person in the locker room, on the ice and in the community and Koules kind of came in here and looked past all that saying "You have a bad work ethic and we need to get rid of you so sign over this clause or we will put you on waivers." That is not a good way to handle players and ultimately bad business. I believe the Lightning will look to Mathieu Schneider as a potential veteran presence, but I think he is too old and horribly overpaid. Only time will tell with this team, and just like the stock market for Rudy...there is a lot of unknowns out there.

[Rudy]

I mentioned previously couple time - my English is not so good, originally from Czechoslovakia. Sorry Jim for my spelling. Although I not so sure spelling has anything to do with a business. Or hockey business.
It’s wery simple, Dan was no so great, like everybody over here trying to implement, lot of turnovers…. opportunity just came, so they trade him. That is all. And we are better off. That is important.
If I will filing sorry for somebody, it’s going to by Dave Andreychuk, they threw him out with no reason, no glory. That was not just bad business, but bad professional ethic. These new owners from my opinion trying to put team together. I hope It’s going to be great season next year, thought can’t get any worst.

[boltsnsense]

The Boyle deal isn’t about Boyle not fitting into the master plan. It isn’t about Feaster giving him a bad contract. It isn’t even about OK strategically reshaping the roster with the best bargaining chip to use. This is about shedding payroll. There are many teams (most teams) that would have no problem with the size a length of his contract. The only ones who would not take him on in an instant are those that have no cap room left. This deal is about an ownership group that is apparently realizing that they are going to be looking at a lot of red ink in the very near future. They do not have deep pockets that can absorb multimillion dollar losses. They did not have the $200m to buy the team outright, they could not find enough investors, and they could not even arrange a bank loan, but instead PS&E had to end up financing much of the actual sale price themselves just to get the deal done. (after they got the cup in 03-04, PS&E must have really wanted out the hockey business.) Since they took control they have dramatically reshaped the roster, doing it looking a lot like they are in a fantasy/rotisserie league instead of the old traditional NHL. Kudos to them for being able to make the impact that has been made, and to create the excitement and a potentially viable roster in a very short period of time. But again, the business side (i.e., about making money or losing money, not about wins or losses) will be a driving force in a lot more going forward. In addition to a $10-15m higher payroll, these guys also have a mortgage to pay that PS&E never had to include in their annual expenses. And PS&E supposedly lost money each year. Has anyone reported or asked how much that mortgage payment is? $5m? $10m? $15m? At $1m additional revenue for each home playoff game, these guys must be planning on 20 or 25 home games each playoff year, or they are planning on more revenue coming from somewhere else. Either that, or they are just a house of cards waiting to collapse, and we will all end up with PS&E back owning a team that they don’t want to own.

[Rudy]

And Jim, of course, no one cares how much money I lost in ignorant stock trades. That was not my intention.
I was disrespected by E Trade, ……..

Translation from my English to you is: Everybody gets burn somehow, and can’t blame anybody but themselves, or in Dan case business he is in to by his free choice. And by the way he is better off then all of us to gather. He still end up with his money.
Not like Dave.

[KyleFreadrich43]

"Who's next? How about Feaster and the chief of scouting Groetzgen(sp)?"

Ah what I'd give to have that turd Goertzen out of this organization....go back to driving a bus you bum.

"So u are not tough if you wear a shield get a grip folks Let then go back to the old real tough days no helmets etc. I remember watching Sawchuk play o face mask or helmet in goal If he did that now he would be called stupid not tough. get a grip."

I asked he take his shield off if he's going to fight a guy that's not wearing one, I didn't ask him to bang the local puckbunny without protection....

Lastly, bingo smells like victor....except he whines for the team not against them....

Quick note: don't expect Halpern to be back anytime this season.

The first diagnosis of his injury had to take 5 weeks for the swelling to go down, just so they could view the damage clearly. The Dr. also described it as the worst injury of this type he'd seen.

Now for the kicker, it doesn't look like the first operation is taking toward healing, if he has to have a second one, he'll more than likely just be happy to walk without a limp.

[ajax]

Read about 200 or so blogs on the San Jose sites. Pretty neutral really,(maybe 60/40 pro Boyle), most of them think it is good that they are trying to win now, but fear they mortgaged off their future because of Boyle's age. (The same complaint some of us had.) The natural opposite of that, is we lose in the near future but gain down the road. Might just be a fair assessment. In reality their blog was almost dead compared to ours. Most of their comments (complaints) was wasting money, 5 million, on Blake at his age. That was overwhelming called a horrible decison by Shark fans. I only note this to let you know, yes, other blogs hate management decisions.
Never is everyone happy. After a rollercoaster week I still think it comes down to the actual payroll number Hollywood decides on. I believed this with all my heart 3 weeks ago but foolishly jumped on the signings bandwagon. Shame on a seasoned veteran like myself to turn into a cheerleader instead of a businessman. Shame on me. We will see. My euphoria might vanish and go back to reality (they will settle on a payroll that doesn't leave many of these hotshots we signed)
In the long run, I think both trades, Richie and Boyle have helped right the organization that Feaster left so bare. Time will tell.
Nothing is settled on Hollywood and the grade he will eventually get, but the Feaster way of doing business was handing out multiyear blank checks and giving up draft choices for nuttin. In the end just getting him out of the decision making chair was a huge WIN for Bolt fans.

[Michael]

Any thoughts on the Lightning maybe bringing back Jassen Culamore? I know he isnt an elite defenseman, is older, and injury prone, but he played well for the Panthers last season. Just a thought. I think he is still on the market, and has won a cup, so his leadership could be helpful.

[Voice of the Turtle]

Just for openers, consider the treatment of Danny by Hollywood cliche, OK; Jagr's jump from the captaincy of (from all teams) the New York Rangers a to Russian league; the war of words going on between Burkie and Kevin Lowe; the ongoing management melodramatics in Toronto; and, the antics and personae of NHL cartoon characters like Gary Bettman, Sean Avery, et al.

Is this a professional sports league or a TV soap opera? Even more scandalous headlines seem to pour from the other major sports.

I guess this is a 21st Century version of sports entertainment, and soon Brittany, Paris, Lindsay, Simon, Brangelina, J-Lo, and Amy will probably become intergrated into this nonsense as well. And, I suppose that sooner or later, there'll be an NHLer on that celebrity dance show.

Is it any wonder that our blogs seem to be progressively more angst-ridden, frustrated rants: a sure sign of the coming acopalypse.

I wonder if Damian ever thinks of himself as a journalistic version of Jerry Springer.

[Boltflasher]

Very funny!!! good post VOTT

Can we just lay this Andreychuk myth to rest for the 7000th time - Nobody close to that situation incl. Dave himself has ever indicated it was handled with anything but the utmost class under the circumstances. Coach wasn't playing him, and both he & the GM felt it wasn't fair to Dave to suit up every night and sit on the bench for 55 minutes taking up space because his legs could no longer compete at the level of his head, hands & heart. They didn't want to in any way punish or disrespect a guy for having the commitment to not want to hang up the skates if there was anything left in the tank. So did they kick him to the curb, no, instead they went out of their way to craft a means for him to still retain his full salary for the rest of that season (Jan-Apr) AND the following full season, by assigning to minors but not requiring a player of his stature to report, giving him some much-deserved rest with pay, then turning around and hiring him as community liaison to prove they want him with the club indefinitely. As Dave has said many times, if an organization is going to treat him with that much class, how could he say no to staying and working with them - laying to rest forever the myth of Dave Andreychuk being mistreated

Now if only this new group had learned something of that before the Boyle incident, which now HAS become a scandal in light of the lies and disrespect reported by Boyle

Sad way to start off, a dog turd for dessert after that great free agency feast

[Bingo]

Voice that is classic deapan humor. Right on the arm of Kouliad and the Berry boy - Brittan naked in the night....... I can see the Two and A Half men now..... Where or where is the Mr. Springer.

Feaster has not been seen in weeks. He has not even been to the palace office, That was confirmed from the fact no twinkies and/or candy wrappers were seen in the halls.

Andreychuck - He is in Buffalo with the family if I was him I'd call first to see if the office is still available. Melrose might have it made out into his private dressing room. You know it does take 2 hours to clean and press that mullet.

So if Vinny wants to stay in Tampa what should he ask for in the contract? It is obvious as AJAX pointed out money is an issue and they are looking to cut payroll down to the 46 - 48 mil number. How do they do that if vinny signs for 8.5?

Quesions abound. Of course it's only intelligent people like dandy don from st pete who have the real scoop. Thanks for the insight.

[harvey]

To the unsigned post above who explained the Dave A situation for the umpteenth time.

Thanks!!

[Don in St. Pete]

PD=Pillsbury Doughboy=Jay Feaster. PD and Bingo, i won't even waste my time responding to the senseless rants anymore. It's been real......strange.

[Rudy]

So now unsigned poster can explain everybody to same way stop crying about older player Danny, who has or going to have in near future same symptoms – slow legs…. And was not such a great player in past year. And we don’t know even half of story yet.

[KyleFreadrich43]

"So if Vinny wants to stay in Tampa what should he ask for in the contract? It is obvious as AJAX pointed out money is an issue and they are looking to cut payroll down to the 46 - 48 mil number. How do they do that if vinny signs for 8.5?"

Dear Bingo,

You do know that current number of $47 million, INCLUDES Lecavalier's extension estimates?

Sincerely,

The obvious

[Michael]

Rudy, I bet you were taking a diffrent approach when Torts sat down Andre Roy. You were probably one of the people saying they wanted to hear Roys side. Now, just because you agree with what the Lightning did, Boyles side cant be the truth? Under that theory, why couldnt Torts be telling the truth? I know I am beating a dead horse, since Torts is gone, but notice Andre hasnt signed anywhere else, or even with the Lightning. Roy said he recieved a suspension from the NHL, so maybe thats why the Lightning sat him down, and noone considers him worth signing. Just a thought. He is a tough guy, and a entertainer, nothing else. So maybe the league said anything more like in Philly, and he is suspended for a good while. I wouldnt sign him then. Make sense? Maybe Torts knew what he was doing.

[Boltflasher]

Don, it is strange that many of those bloggers blasting the Bolts mgt for getting "personal" in their handling of the Dan Boyle trade are the first ones to get "personal" and make personal attacks on other bloggers...

[Rudy]

Maybe we should just enjoy a summer, get a jack Daniels, jump to pool and wait and see what happen, let’s leave worry on people who should be worry, I’m sure, that if necessary, Danny can defend himself and take care of everything we try to take care.
I am only hoping that I will be able watch some hockey next season, get some enjoinment from it, and not get upset already half hour before game started. Last year was joke, sad joke, and nobody enjoy it.
You know that old saying : If you cutting a forest, ….

[ajax]

Someone said something very enlightening today and was worth the print.
There was so much good news and everyone, EVERYONE, loved the new owners this week.
In one second they were turned to the worst of the worst. All the good swooshed away in one decision.
His point was how can anyone stand up to the standard of:
You are only good if you do everything exactly the way we want it done, routine.
I think we would all fail under those terms (I've failed numerous times when I thought I was doing great, just ask my kids)
Romano wrote a great article today and finished it with, let's all give it some time and judge down the road. He harped on the tone none of us should forget. SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE, SOMETHING ANYTHING.
Hollywood isn't perfect but I sure am glad they have done SOMETHING after the horrible way us fans have been treated the last two years.
It isn't in stone but I for one think back to last March and boy oh boy am I glad to have new owners.

[Bingo]

KyleFreadrich43 Back to basic math.
Their objective is 46 - 47 mil.
Using www.nhlnumbers.com as a source.

They are showing 47.2. But are missing -
Stamkos about 3.5mil
Mike Smith - another 750 - 1mil. I'll use 850k
Roberts bonus 10k per game. Say he plays 30 300k
Olie the Goalie up to 1 mil in bonuses. let use 600k

Artukin - 1.2 mil

Using my calculator that works out to about 54.2 mil about 7.5 mil over the limit and they have stated. Also, they still need 'D' and an extra center till Halpern returns.

So who are the likely candidates to bring us back to the numbers they are talking?

Marty, Vinny, Malone and Kuba are the only ones with any salary unless you are considering trading Malone and/or Vbrata for salary relief.

Dump Kuba and we really have no defensive players. Yes, he is over payed specifically in Torts system maybe hollywood Mel's will be better defensively not hard to improve on last years debacle.

Malone they just signed and I do believe they are not that stupid.

Marty - 5mil for diminishing returns.

Vinny - 8 and you relieve all the cap issues. Here's the trade.... Leo you'll like this.

Vinny and Smitty to Montreal for the wonder kid goalie, picks several and lots of room under the cap, but that will take place only after Vinny actually signs the contract.

Which has yet to transpire.

So Please all of you take your calcultor back out and run the numbers. You tell me how we get to the 46 - 48 majic number of the Donkey's from Follywood.

[Rudy]

That Romano guy is actually pretty good; I am always enjoying his articles. He is best from those newspapers. He h is right, like he was in past. Lot of sense.
Give to new owners and coach a chance!!! I thing they doing better than I expected.

[KyleFreadrich43]

Dear Bingo,

Please note the rules in the NHL....

Last I checked, a rookie entry level contract couldn't exceed a certain amount.

His AVERAGE salary MAY get to 1 million or 1.25.

[Bingo]

Kyle, the salary can't be more than a mil. However, signing bonuses and incentives for goals, games played are all part of the package. His number will end up in the 3 - 4 mil arena.

[Don in St. Pete]

Bingo, I'n guessing math wasn't one of your stronger subjects. Or is this just another smokescreen to claim they are trading Vinny next? You are obviusly a marginal fan or really not a fan at all or you would no better. How about a few facts to replace the conjecture? I'll provide the for you.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=TB

Everyone is on there except for Stamkos, whose hit will be $3,725,000. if I remember correctly. If Halpern can't return he get put on the physically unable to perform or Injured reserved lists and while he'd still get paid those #'s don't count against the cap.

[Bingo]

As many others on this site post messages. If you looked at the numbers derived from www.nhlnumbers.com you will see that those numbers do not include, Stamkos, Artukin(SP) and bonuses to Oilie the Goalie and/or Roberts. Also, they are planing to redo Smith's contract and adding another 1 to 1.5 mil. So are you saying that www.nhlnumbers.com does not have the correct numbers? And the Eck has everything right? So please speak only of your own ignorance and not of someone who at least looks up the numbers in the book. Jerk..... there I feel better now.

[Don in St. Pete]

Bingo, I'm sorry but you can't "redo" someones contract. You can sign them to a new contract or extension, which is for ensuing tear or years. No doubt some forwards will be moved, most likely Ward, Jokinen or Tarnasky. The bonuses for both Roberts and Kolzig ARE included. Artyuhkin is reportedly for $950k. Kolzig's deal was for $1.5mil plus up to $1mil in incentives, hence $2.5mil cap hit. Roberts was $1.25mil plus $10k per game, hence $2,.070mil.

[Don in St. Pete]

Bingo, Sorry but I guess a mirror would be in order for you. Though Cap Central is now hosted by Hockeybuzz.com it is run by MacKenzie who's well respected and most other newswires etc.....use his figures. Hope you've got that mirror handy.

[Casper]

I am really bothered by the smallish comment by Kyle about Halpern's knee being hopelessly destroyed.

I had not heard this negative impact from any source.

This is not good. I hope they do whatever it takes so he can, in fact, walk without a limp.

[Bingo]

You are correct on the Physically unable to play does not impact the cap. However , if he does return during the course of the year as hoped January/February the team would be responsible for that portion of the pay. I'm not positive because I can't find the answer regarding the does insurance pick up the tab for the games missed or a portion thereof.

If anyone can find the complete explanation that would be helpful. But it does still come down to how much they are willing to spend. 46 - 48 mil is their self imposed limit.

[Bingo]

Here's the direct link for the team.

http://nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=TBL&season=0809&expand=y

[Bingo]

Ok it is missing Arty 1 mil, Mike Smith upgrade 1mil and 3.75 for the rookie and whomever else is in the mix. add 6mil to the number and the site would be close.

[léo]

Whatever you want, Bingo.
Except the Kid.
Sorry.
Ready to give ya Plecanec, McDonaugh, O'Byrne and Halak if ya want.
But not the Kid.
Give ya Higgins, Komisarek and 2 1st-round picks, if ya want.
But not the Kid.
Best I can do for ya. Not bad at all if you pretend We DON'T have the Kid. Those 2 deals are pretty good, no? Anything you want, you know that.
But you ain't gettin' the Kid, not no more. Last year, I was ready to talk; knew he'd be good; knew he'd be REAL good; didn't think he'd be THAT good. This Kid is the Future, mate.
Sorry.
But hey,
Give Bob a call. What do I know?
Yo.

[Bingo]

The team gets younger. It is being reported that the lighting are ready to sign the 35 year old free agent Jason Smith.

Here's the stat sheet from last year.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=874

His salary was 1.9 mil suspect it would be close to the same.

Bingo,
I guess the recent news of your passing was a mistake.....oops that was Bozo the Clown not Bingo the Clown.

[Don in St. Pete]

To those who've doubted the wisdom of this trade here's another perspective from someone on the recieving end.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16114

If some of his thoughts and feelings are true we should be in fine shape going into the 2009-10 season. Either way we're already better than last year.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

OK will not trade V4 for several reasons. It would have made no sense to bring Prospal back to play on V4's line. The market value for V4 will increase the closer you get to the trade dead-line in February. This will only be an issue if V4 refuses to sign his new contract, it would make more sense to move him then rather than now, plus, Mullet man will not let OK trade Lecavalier or St. Louis or he would resign...I guarantee it. Trading V4 is trading any hopes of having any kind of season and its predicated on putting all your hopes on an unproven rookie star. V4 gets traded, the fans will dump their season tickets with blazing speed and the OK boys know this. Oren Koules is in this to win. He will not let go of the players he knows that he can win championships with. Vinny is still young and has at least 8 or 9 good seasons left. He guarantees you a 30-40 goal scorer every season. I would take him over any player in the league because he is a complete player.

But now lets say that Stamkos goes on pace to score 50 goals...then all bets are off. Vinny would then go to one of the Canadian clubs at the trade dead line, for a tremendous amount of bodies and draft choices.

I'm willing to say that Jokkinen gets traded first, then Ouellet goes and Kuba follows. The non-skating Shane O'Brien should go if they are smart. At least with Halpern, his Salary doesn't count against the cap as long as he's on the injured reserve list.

As far as bringing in any more defensemen, I'd bring in Luke Richardson to play a few shifts a night, his leadership and locker room presence is really what the Bolts need for their young defensemen and he's only going to cost you about $450,000 to $475,000 a season. I then bring up Vladimir Mihalik the 6'8" stud waisting away in Norfolk (another player that Tortarella had issues with because he showed up late for camp)...I would really consider putting him to use. With his size and speed he is a definite intimidator and he has a nasty mean streak. Everyone is saying that Mihalik will rival Zdeno Chara and he also has a cannon for a shot. I would also re-sign Doug Janik and give him another shot at training camp. IMO, He will play allot better in a different, more coach friendly atmosphere as he did in Buffalo...Tortarella also hated Janik for some reason. Janik had some bright moments and saved a couple of games for the Bolts. He at least deserves a shot at another $450,000 contract. Doug would give you "some" experience and would be your #6 or #7 defenseman.

This is not a championship defense but that's not what this team is going to be based upon. Niskala has a chance making the team, Carle, Lundin, Mihalik, Picard, Smaby as well. It doesn't sound all that great on paper, but when you look at the size, its impressive. There is at least enough talent here to carry you until you can pull off another trade if you are still competitive at the trade deadline. If Melrose dumps the pinch and play style that Tortarella embraced, then these defenders will be adequate enough to keep you competative. You can't teach size and that's what these guys have allot of.
At this point it is imperative that you bring in a veteran defenseman leadership/teacher lockeroom guy who pulls this defensive unit together.

[Elwood P. Dowd]

I like the idea of Jason Smith telling Mike Smith to stay the hell inside the crease and let the guys around him go for the puck----unless it's an absolute risk-free last resort.

We didn't exactly greet Mike with that kind of defensive leadership when he got here last Spring.

Jason Smith would come at less than half the $$$ of Schneider's tired legs though he's only four years younger. We desperately need a stalwart or two in Jason Smith and Luke Richardson to show the way to blue line respectability.

Go Bolts!

[Don in St. Pete]

As always the Marlboro Man brings some good points to the table. I don't necessarily agree with each player mentioned in each spot but he has some solid points. Mihalik and Smaby were #1 picks and for good reason. Mihalik was the only full time player at Norfolk ( other than Jay Leach ) who had a positive +/-. I'm sure we'll get to see him in camp this year and I'm betting Smaby has matured to where he is ready to play in the NHL everday. He proved over the last wek or 2 of the season that he could bring it no matter who the opposing player was. Janik has a great upside, early in the year he was one of our best passer's on d, able to get the puck confidently into a forwards hands even if getting leveled in the process. Ob has been a dissappointment, though he has talent and could flourish under a different coach. Ob and Smaby both have the same issue in that while they're strong skaters, at time they stop moving their feet which makes it hard to change direction or to gain leverage against and onrushing forward. Jokinen is probably out of options as I don't see him fitting in on the checking line. Ouellet on the other hand was our leader @ +11 and should be held at any cost as I believe he will only get better. I'm not necessarily sold on bringing luke Richardson back though the thought of a mentor for the young D is a good one. Keith Carney would be a good fit and so might Jason Smith. Cullimore is an option though with proper coaching I think Smaby or Mihalik could be just as effective. I see a healthy competition for the final d spots coming up in camp and still more moves to improve our d likely to be done in the meantime. Here's another writer's take on the Lightnings free agent signings.

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=242199

[Berliner]

I think there needs to be some clarification on the posts regarding our salary at http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=TBL&season=0809

This coming season's cap hit is $46.678mm (do not go by what the actual salary paid out will be) and this includes all bonuses applicable. The addition to that number will be Artyukhin and Stamkos, so add about $4.5mm.

At this $51mm number, OK is still over their self-imposed limit, so look for Ouellet and/or Jokinen to get packaged with Kuba for someone like Jason Smith. The salaries given up will be about $4.5 if only one of the forwards is traded and Smith should cost about $2.5, bringing us back down to a number closer to $49mm. Minor tweaking or trading for a draft pick will be likely at that point.

Hopefully this clears up some of the inaccuracies above.

[Don in St. Pete]

Berliner, There are still a lot of teams that are short on forwards, especially to fill out their 3rd and 4th lines. While this won't give much in the way of cap space, there could still be a package sent to pick up a bluliner. Smith only made $1.9 mil last season and may take around the same as a Free Agent this year. Nashville is really deep on the back line but could use some forward line help. Columbus is also a tad short after dealing a pair of forwards to New York for D. It will be interesting to watch how the chess game plays out next week and beyond.

[Beau]

Steve, we don't need someone to fill-in when the need arises. What we need is someone that will be there night-in and night-out. Koci will probably suffice, but IMO he is going to be in Norfolk most of the year. Every team Melrose has coached has had at least 1 legit enforcer (and usually more like 2-3).

This bit was interesting from the SJ point of view: "Another plus is that he’s signed through 2014 at $6.67 million per season and didn’t have any injury trouble before the freak wrist injury he suffered last season. The way salaries are increasing that salary could be a bargain a couple years down the road."

Hmmm. So whether the salary is a bargain or an albatross seems to be relative to what other albatrosses are in the flock

[Barry]

For all the parrots that keep repeating that "this is business," remember that when the Glimmer Twins say that when they move the team out of town.

[DSB]

I haven't posted in a while but thought I might throw a few thoughts out. First, did anyone else think something was up with the Sharks when they decided not to pursue their complaints with the Bolts to the league? Second, as good as Boyle was, he was expendable with his big,long contract and the fact that the D did not fall apart when he was out. In fact, they played well and Ranger really picked up his offensive game during Boyle's absence. Maybe, in the end, he is collateral damage in gathering the cash to keep V4 here. Third, in most things there is a gut reaction that comes out before you really sit and think things out fully. The recent posts since OK took control have been like an elevator on speed. Who is Koules and why is he here/Koules is a god/Koules must die. It would seem that changes are still coming and the full effect will not be known for some time. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and some people on this blog come up with very valid points and others have good comedic value too. Others spend a lot of time firing paper bullets. We are basically making comments based on what we think might happen but in the end we will find out once they hit the ice and play the game. I agree with some others that, so far, it appears that OK has been OK and the team has improved. I am looking forward to the new season. As far as a V4 trade I completely disagree. Would it help the team? I don't think so. Does it make business sense? I still don't think so, it might free up cap space but at what cost? Could the team handle the money lost in public relations, publicity, merchandise and ticket sales. Some business decisions are not just based on salary and I think V4 brings more than that to the table. But hey, it would not be the first time in NHL history that franchise caliber players were moved.

[Tony]

Amen DSB.

[Rudy]

Ditto

And the other words, V4 are worth every penny you paying him.

You can’t say to same of Danny and Marty.

Post from before, looks like somebody miss it:
Maybe we should just enjoy a summer, get a Jack Daniels, jump to pool and wait and see what happen, let’s leave worry on people who should be worry.
I am only hoping that I will be able watch some hockey next season, get some enjoinment from it, and not get upset already half hour before game started. Last year was joke, sad joke, and nobody enjoy it.

[Rudy]

Get upset half hour before game : that is find out about goalie change, moving Prospal from first to 4th line and all idiotic not helping changes .
That is a reason way new ownership made change. And most of reasonable people are happy about that.

[Mike C]

Thanks DSB. Great post. This is my 1st chime in on the Ning this year but have been reading the whirlwind. I, like many others was left a bit deflated after the Danny deal given the bliss buzz prior. I liked Dan and Brad more for being good guys not necessarily for the +/-. I think the moves will pay off in the long run and we have reversed the tailspin. As for OK. Yeah, the poker face was bad for some extra PR but the bolts will be better on the ice. Hopefully the young guns regime will learn from mistakes. Now at least I know OK is not just trying to glitz us but trying to put a better team together. The bottom line will be wins and hopefully a long term chemistry as a result. Even Torts was pissed over the prior owners not caring. As for V4, He's never taken a night off nor will he. Vinny will be here even without skates and Maybe Marty too if he continues as the Seabiscuit of hockey.

[pd]

DSB V4 should be traded and if this was a stable franchise he would be.

This franchise is heading to Vegas in a season or two however and LeCavalier will be the marquis ticket seller for them.

[Michael]

What alot of people seem to forget here is that, while I am not saying that the $6.6 million is nothing, Boyle could have got over $7 million in free agency, but he took a hometown discount to stay here. Now, he isnt in Tampa, and isnt getting his extra million or so. While he dosnt need the extra money, who wouldnt want another million dollars? Add that to how they treated him, and this was a AWFUL thing to do to Boyle.

[Steve from Lutz]

My God! It's July, and we're talking Lightning hockey! I love it! Can't wait to drop the puck.

[Bingo]

This showed up at Hockeybuzz.... for what it is worth.

CBCs Hockey Night in Canadas radio braodcast was reporting that the Lightning were shopping around Smith...potentialy to the Blackhawks for Habby...I really hope that isn't true"

I fully expect the laughable no no's from management. but there is no dog in this race. Just another 6mil contract. Maybe they could get Kane for Smith.

[Boltflasher]

Bringing in Khabby with his bloated contract makes no sense especially since Koules stated the team would end up somewhere in the middle as far as team payroll by the time they were finished. Also, fabulous post DSB...a brief breath of fresh air and sanity amidst the smoke of these blogs...

[Leanmean43]

I think the Dan Boyle trade will help in 2 or 3 years, but right now the team took some steps back. I don't see this team making the playoffs next year.

They signed Malone and Vrbata, but I think there is a good chance these two players won't be as effective as they were in their "career years." Prospal is also due for a slump year, and Stamkos is a rookie so who knows what to expect. I think Vinny and Marty will be our only scoring threats yet again.

The defense also went from "young" to even younger. The goaltending could turn out to be ok, but who knows it could be the same disaster we've seen the last few years. This team has the talent to contend for a playoff spot, but it remains to be seen if the have the experience or chemistry to do so. Personally, I don't see it happening.

[Don in St. Pete]

LM43, I diagree about your take on Malone, Vrbata and Prospal. I think these guys are elated to be here and will be eager to show their stuff for Lightning Fans. I'm looking forward to a fast exciting team and if they can brink in a good defenseman or 2 we could be a contender. On paper we have as good or better secondary scoring than anyone, so think positive and hope for the best.

[Boltflasher]

Leanmean, you also have to look at the division they are in. No one is good. Washington took a big step backwards with changing their goalie to Theodore.
I think the Bolts have a good shot at winning the division and thereby making the playoffs...

[léo]

Well,
I disagree with YOU, Don. (bound to happen at one point, mate)
"Ecstatic" is a very strong term. It means the guy can barely contain his tomfool joy. I assume you meant "very happy". Very happy to be in TB so they can "show their stuff (to TB fans)".
I think Prospal loves Vinny more than anything. (except, obviously, how much he hated Tortie)
I think you followed Leo's advice and simply WOWED Malone with money. (too much)
I also think you offered Vrbate ½mil more than he could have gotten anywhere else.
Don't forget, money is money. (except, obviously, when you have as much already as Mats Sundin)
Look at Streit. (who, btw, We are Very happy for; he's gonna be the Long Island General) Do you think he's rubbing his hands in glee in anticipation of "showin' his stuff" in LI?
I don't wanna show Detroit what I can do; I don't wanna show Manhattan what I can do, neither Vancouver, Boston, St-Louis, Calgary or Minnesota. I wanna show the Island what I can do!
C'mon.
I think it has more to do with the fact that A) LI had to reach the cap FLOOR and B) Streit can now brag that he comes in behind Federer at num2 for most paid swiss athletes.
This doesn't mean that Malone and Vrbata won't come to love it in TB and want to stay forever. Vinny did. And I'm sure when he was 16, he didn't say, boy'o'boy, I hope I get drafted by an expansion team in Florida!
He CAME to love it in TB. Question is, was it management that made him feel welcome or the city around him?
Let's hope it was the latter and Malone will feel the same.
But don't delude yourself, Don. There's NO WAY Malone would've gotten more than what he got in TB.
And he knew it.
Nevermind if he "wanted" to show his stuff in TB because for 5mil dollars?
He dang well better show his stuff in TB!
He makes more than the Artiste!
Yo.

[léo]

Oh jeez, Don.
Elated, not ecstatic...
Ah!, same dif
Y.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, Ecstatic is a little stronger term than elated. However elated doe equivocate to very happy. I recently listened to Malone's interview on CBC radio, hockey night in Canada and he and his wife are excited by the area as well as by the prospects of the team and the competetiveness of the owners. I've heard that 12 other teams were prepared to offer for Malone's services so I feel we did the right thing. We may have paid him a half mil per too much at the $4.5mil but I figure it's worth it for the investment in the kid, just like you guys going after Laraque. Malone can and will score, but more importantly he'll cover SS's back. Vrbata has blazing speed and though we might have gotten him for $2.5 mil instead of the $3mil we paid, he will be an awesome linemate for the equally speedy and shifty Stamkos. vrbata has steadily increased his production the last 3 years while getting better defensively and I expect 30+ goals out ofhim this year playing alongside Stamkos and malone and getting considerable time on the 2nd PP unit. Stamkos and Malone should both chip in 20+ and maybe more. Sorry you don't share in the excitement, but for some of us it is palpable. Many of our current and ex-players make their homes in Tampa Bay including Marty, Vinny, Chris Dingman, Dave Andreychuck, John Tucker and Brian Bradley. Phil Esposito also still lives here as does Scotty Bowman and Dick Vitale ( college basketball coach and announcer ).

[Not the Marlboro Man]

If Malone scores anywhere near 27 goals again and plays hurt and Keeps the pressure off Stamkos, he will be worth every penny of what they pay him. This guy is rugged and plays a mean game in front of the goal. Who would you rather have. Stillman who has been known to crack just about every season or Malone who can play though some pretty bad injuries. My guess is everyone would rather pay a few million more and get Malone.
As far as Vrbata...they paid what a normal top six forward in the NHL makes. After scoring 56 points in the Western Conference last season ...where the goal tending is much much better than the Eastern Conference, I'd have to say the Bolts did the right thing by giving him as much as they did. I really believe Vrbata can be a star, especially considering all the other Czech Republic players we have on the Bolts that can rally around him. This team will have allot to play for when they go to Prague. I wouldn't mind seeing a few more Czech players on this team the same way as Detroit is known for all their Swede players

[Don in St. Pete]

Wow! great post NTMM! I never really thought about that but I'm sure as Radim is looking for a house, etc the first people he will call is VP and Kuba. I personally think Kuba is underrated. While he's not my type of guy ( aim for the creast on the jersey and don't stop driving until your helmet come out the other side ) he's proven he can be a solid top 4 d in the NHL. He was hurt most of last year but after he came back he was by far our best defender. The year before last he had 15 goals and he can do it again, if he's healthy. I think the Prague trip will be the cement that glues this team together. Most of them are around the same age with a few notable exceptions which will be beneficial. GO BOLTS!

[Leanmean43]

Don,
I admire your optimism about the upcoming season, but I think there's a good chance it could be a disaster. Ownership is a joke and I bet if a player slumps the first part of the season they will be traded. For example if Marty or Vinny Prospal start out slow, I don't think OK would hesitate to trade them. One thing I learned from lightning sucesses in the past is stability is the key to a team developing chemistry, if OK starts making moves just to make moves, this team will implode.

You don't trade core players away just because they turned 30, or to cut payroll. An organization works hard to develope players that can carry them to a Stanley Cup. It is pure stupidity to trade proven winners away for "unproven" youth just so you can say you got younger.

[Don in St. Pete]

LM43, While I agree the Boyle trade was not handled tactfully, I am going to reserve judgement on the owners until we're approaching training camp. Sorry, but when your team finishes dead last, with multiple gaping holes to be filled. team chemistry or lack thereof goes out the window with the morning trash. The team needed a major retooling and since we're weak in the pipeline it needed to be done via free agents and trades. Going with the same group that finished dead last was not an option to these owners and I salute them for that.

May I please interject Marty also is worth every penny they are paying him--esp. as time goes on his annual salary decreases

For years and years he toiled like a stud plow horse on crack at far below market value, patiently and quietly biding his time while outhustling every onther player on the ice for both teams. He has more than proved his worth to this team, in a way that Brad and, evidently, Danny were unable to do.

[Tackleberry]

If you need even more $$, cut Kuba before MSL. MSL can skate circles around Kuba. I think breaking the V4/MSL duo seriously lower the points scored for TB. Pospal, MSL and V4 are back.

My guess is that Kuba and O'B are prime targets to get traded, IF, more trades are coming. I will say that with a bit more time and effective coaching, Kuba will be a lot better. But, at $3m (with his #s), he may be targeted for a trade.

Whatever the case for ANYONE wearing the TB sweater, I hope their trade is done with more class that the Boyle trade. Not a good way to treat your players. Understand your reasons but not the method.

[Don in St. Pete]

I'm not so sure they're going to make anymore trades right away, unless it's for a reliable stay at home defenseman. Marty won't be getting dealt, but Ward, Jokinen, Kuba could all be possible. We may have to sign a guy like Jason Smith and then go to training camp and see what we've got before the extra pieces are moved.

[ajax]

Writing an educated blog and suggesting that Marty be traded is an Oxymoron. Give me 9 Marty St. Louis for my 3 forward lines and you would win the Stanley Cup every single year.
Marty has produced no matter who they have stuck him with, everyone else seems to play way better when Mr. Electricity is on their line. When Brad had his best numbers, When Vinny pocketed 52 goals, they both should of been buying the "spark plug" dinner every night they were on the road.
How many more days til camp opens??
I need some sort of goal to get thru the summer.

[Tackleberry]

Ajax, you summed it up w/ MSL.

He is the heart of the team. Just cant see, event the possibility of trading him.

On a side note, I am glad that attention is given to Norfold. Glad that there is some investment to them.

[ajax]

I have read more than once someone suggest Marty had an off year and his age and he isn't finishing as good, and etc etc.
He was 12th in the league in scoring, first in pukes(from having the most minutes of any forward in the entire stinking league) all on the worst team in hockey. Funny I never saw Crosby Malkin or Kovalchuk killing panalties in game 79 of the season.
Yeah Marty is really diminishing returns. Paaaaallllleeeeeaaassssseeee.
When I think of Crosby playing 20 minutes a night in the Stanley Cup finals I think only then can I really really really really appreaciate Marty and Vinny just a tad.

[Bear]

Leo a few hear are manic.
Agree with you overpaid on Malone and Vrbada.

Problem with Bolts is that they absolutely have to make the playoffs for financial reasons..they are banking on it.

Their current cap committment guraranatees losing money..only a couple of rounds can bail them out.

They are literally betting the farm and if snake eyes come up they write it off and PSE gets it back.

[Boltflasher]

I love the ongoing positive fan blogs from Bear and PD...why ALWAYS the doom and gloom? Neither the constant doom and gloom nor the opposite "they are cup contenders!" is particularly realistic...

[léo]

Hey, I'm just givin' you the straight dope, Flasher. But keep in mind, no matter my erudite analysi and my strategical flair, I'm just a freak...like you. It don't mean nuthin' what I babble on about.
However, wouldn't go so far as to say doom'n'gloom. More like, ouch'n'slouch, or watchout/fallout or O-heavy/where's the D?
Just a little concern over the solidity of your defensive corps, is all. Not, sound the alarm/abandon ship. Whoa, whoa. A wee concern is all, mate. Something to perhaps look into. Hey, maybe I'm completely wrong and these blue guys (though green) when singled out are reliable at best but when COMBINED form a group whose magical prowesses cannot be equaled. What do I know? It can happen...I guess.
I just think you need a General cuz with Boyle gone, you don't have one. While you may think that's no big deal, I'm sure you would all nonetheless prefer to have one than NOT. Am I right?
Doom'n'gloom?
Can't do worse than last year. If you finish 29th, you'll've done better than last year, no?
Chin up/tally ho.
And all that cal.
Yo.

[Bear]

Doom and Gloom my asp Flasher , just reality that the red light blinkin on the dashboard has consequences.

Well said Leo

The financial werewithall of this team is serious. They have to get it right the 1st time.

Not everyone feels like breaking out the pom poms just yet.

[Don in St. Pete]

Bear and Leo, I think you both underestimate the talent on our blueline. While it's not completely evident yet, every trade rumour involving the Lightning has inevitably asked about Paul Ranger and with good reason. In the same breath you must realize we have serious depth on defense, especially with the recent acquisitions of Picard and Wishart. We are deeper on d talent in the pipeline than any team except Nashville. Even if the owners stay put I believe we'll be dramatically improved over last year. Just having 4 lines and more defensively responsible forwards will be a huge benefit. Leo you are selling us short even if we don't make another move. I hope you're ready to eat crow come March.

[Bolflasher]

Leo/Bear...I have NOT said that the Bolts can now compete for the Cup, only that they are better, and MAY be able to competer for the division because Wash goalie is as a big ? as the Bolts D and goaltending...winning the SE is no earthshattering achievement..