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

[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..

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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...

[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.

[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[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.

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.

[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.

[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]

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!

[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]

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 ).

[léo]

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

[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.

[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...

[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.

[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.

[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...

[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.

[Steve from Lutz]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

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

[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).

[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.

[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]

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

[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!

[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.

[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.

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

[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.

[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]

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.

[Bingo]

Here's the direct link for the team.

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.