Tarnasky traded to Predators

The Lightning traded rugged wing Nick Tarnasky to the Predators for a conditional 2009 draft pick. Tampa Bay received a sixth-round pick that would turn into a fifth if Tarnasky plays at least 55 games. The trade will save the Lightning $525,000 off the cap.

With Michel lOuellet on waivers (he will either be claimed or sent to AHL Norfolk) Tampa Bay still needs to make one cut before 3 p.m. Friday to get down to the required 24 players, including extra goalie Karri Ramo.

Comments

[Andrew]

Wow...Didn't see this coming. Tarns is out, Ouellet is on waivers...I guess it's down to Koci and Ward now.

[JD]

say bye to Ward.

[vickie]

dude this is all messed up around the board.

[McGz]

And Koci will be in the press box most nights if he doesn't get sent down as well. At least Craig can contribute on the pp.

[Geografer]

I like Ward but I would rather have Tarns than Wardo. Sorry but you traded the wrong guy. Another bad, bad move.

[mike p]

don't worry...ward's time is running short too. and losing Tarnasky isn't the end of the world for tampa

[Another Joe]

I like Tarns but ive thought all along he might be on his way out. Koci and Arty will fill his roll. Good luck Tarns we'll miss you.

As far as Oullett because of his salary other teams probably knew he would be put on waivers so why give up anything for him. I wish him luck as well. He fell in same boat as Habby in Chicago.

[josh]

Tarnasky isn't a huge surprise. Arty can do just as much damage plus throw out some points. I don't see Koci making the team. I'm sure he'll be in the minors. I guarantee you'll see Ward put on waivers or traded soon as well. I hate to see Ouellet go though. He's a good third line winger. He also had great chemistry with Halpern. But then again, I did see it coming after we signed Recchi.

[Geografer]

I find interesting that Damian and the Preds website are saying it becomes a 5th round at 55 games while the Lighning website and the paper across the bay are saying at 50 games. Wonder which is right?? Maybe someone couldn't read the fax. ;)

[Geografer]

Oh - and Arty may be able to fill the role but only when he isn't in the penalty box. Tarns was 2nd on the team in hits last year and 3rd in blocked shots while only getting 78 minutes in penalties. Arty is at how many penalty minutes all ready? (and yes I know they don't count yet) Let's hope that the penalty kill this year is better than ever. We will surely go from last to first in one thing - penalty minutes.

[Wade]

It's saying on wikipedia that Ward was placed on waivers.

[Boltflasher]

At least with Tarns, they found a taker for his salary and got something back, but not for Ouellet's...as for Khabby, remember how he left here in quite a hurry to get that $$ in Chi-town??...will be interesting to see if anyone is desperate enuff to take his salary now and claim him on waivers...

[mike p]

i would if i were colorado...the chances of peter the great coming back are slim and they are in desperate need of goaltending...raycroft and budaj, that's kinda scary (especially the first)

[Steve]

It seems like many fans have overvalued what Tarnasky and Ouellet would get on the open market. Ward obviously won't fetch much either. Looks like Koci might be staying. I liked what Tarnaksy brought, but given all of the additions, he likely wasn't going to be much more than a spare part this season if he stayed.

[Hockey Chic]

Dude,

I did not see this coming and I hate it. I think Tarno was solid and brought physicality into the game each night. I also like Ward and I would not want him to be cut either.

As far as Ouellete I have never really been convinced by his play. I guess this is how we lean out the forward crew but I hate hate it. Good luck to you Tarno wish you nothing but the best...

Go Bolts!!!

[Don in St. Pete]

I wouldn't be surprised if Ward has been placed on waivers too. He was a hard worker and adequate defensively, but he doesn't have an NHL shot. I hate to see all three of these guys go, but I feel better with Bochenski and Konopka at Norfolk. Tough lesson in economics for the new owners, but we should now have plenty of room under the cap in case of injury or to make a deal at the trade dealine if it's warranted.

[ajax]

The new NHL gang. So few trades, most teams very tight with the purse strings. Hollywood and gang threw out the dough(thank goodness) and now some of it will be wasted (shame) They had to do something and sooner the better to give other teams some chance to pick these guys off waivers and save us some money. (I agree, nothing no one?? a draft pick?? for Ouellet??) Strange financial times we are in. I always liked Tarnasky. I will be shocked if they keep Ward, shocked, and dismayed. He can't skate a lick.
I sum it up like this and remind myself of 365 days ago. Last year the roster was pretty much set with Darche McDonald Ward Roy and Karlsson, with the next guy being Stewert or Lessard. The forwards will be much better. The D??
I much rather would have a solid D and so-so forwards, but it is what it is. Gang, last year we had so so in every catagory. Other guys will be being placed on waivers real soon also, so don't give up the D-ship. And IMO IMO IMO Smith is such an upgrade over last year it ain't funny. Come on D don't let us down.
Khabby, ha ha ha. The goalie who chased money his whole career and now he is a victim of his own high salary. I don't think he will be starving.

[matt]

Ive seen 2 practices and 2 games live and Ward has been one of the best players on the ice. He's working harder than Ive seen him work since he's been here. Im not saying he should make the team, but Im glad its coming down to the last game for him. He has earned it.

[PD]

Everyone should be a victim like Habby. Somehow he ends up in Ottawa.

GeeAjax you are almost seeing the light through those Bolt filters of yours. These guys blew the cap money left and right

Jussi isn't much different in value from Ouellette, nothing coming back there either. Both have offensive skills but not top 6 stuff and both are marshmellos on the wall so cant play 3rd or 4th line.

What did we get for Richards and Homer again?

All that cash for Roberts and Recchi 40 year old guys..wasted too and no D at all. The goalie's are a crap shoot.

They could have done it much better but Barrie thinks he knows Hockey because he had a cup of coffee in the minors. Thats why my blood boils.

Tortsie was right ,they are amateur cowboys.

[Mike13]

Not surprised. If you don't score in this league, you'd better be one heck of a fighter. If you're neither - you become a journeyman.

[mike p]

PD, you think money was wasted on roberts and recchi? you SORELY underestimate what those guys bring to this team

[Boltflasher]

Now that Khabby's waived, the Hawks go out and give up 7 goals to Columbus, just 15 saves for Huet...

What did we get for Richards??? Someone who can actually stop a puck!

[Not the Marlboro Man]

My money says that Ward is goner...he has skating issues like O'Brien. If they really wanted to impress me they should have placed O'Brien on waivers too. They should bring up Smaby because they are going to have to do it eventually. O'Brien simply cannot skate at an NHL level.

I disagree with the take on Jokkinen. He is a terrific guy on the shoot out, Natural center abilities and sees the ice really well. He's still young and can score a allot of pretty goals. He is soft on the boards and doesn't want to fore-check but he will fit in to a roll player should someone go down to injury or the right match-ups occur. I say keep Jokkinen...he good trade bait later in the season if nothing else.

[léo]

I also think Recchi and Roberts was wasted money, MikeP.
Recchi is finished. Don't say "leadership" or I'll scream. He's got NONE; he's a coattail rider, make no mistake. Always has been. He needs OTHERS to make him look good.
Roberts, ok. But why him? Were there no younger gritty spit-distubers available? What? For the leadership again?
If you have to look elsewhere than YOUR CAPTAIN for leadership, there's a problem.
So Vinny, Marty, Gary???
That makes no sense to me.
Still Gary has his uses. Recchi don't.
You will witness that with your own eyes, MikeP.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

You have to forgive PD. The man crush he had on Richards and Boyle will never fade as long as they play in the NHL. We have the best goaltending we've had since the winning the cup. Our defense while not spectacular features 6 guys that can pass the puck and score. We have a deep, talented forward lineup that will punish people and bury pucks in the net. Contrary to your statements of how great the Rangers are they are 1-5 and recently dropped Zherdev to the second line. Most of the predictions I've seen have the Rangers finishing 10th or 11th. I believe if our d continue to contribute and gain confidence, that we have a shot at our division, but regardless we should be around the middle of the pack come playoff time.

[ajax]

PD, you must of been a genius to know Halpern would go down with an injury.
Halp, Jussi, Smith, 4+ million money in exchange for basically Richards.
PD, you have argued this point for 6 months. Without the injury is it really an argument. It is safe to say your opinion is in the minority of Bolt fans. Toronto fans, not sure??
Maybe they spent the money on Malone PD, you insist it was Roberts and Recchi. I think simply, it is guy who wants to look at the pluses(me/all of us) versus a guy who can't wait to find negatives(Mr. PD). You are back to being Grumpy(again) signed me, Dopey.

[mike p]

leo, they're not there for leadership. roberts said himself this is marty and vinny's team. they are there for EXPERIENCE, something many players on this team sorely lack. Yes, the money could have been spent elsewhere, but i don't think it was a BAD idea to bring in some experience and grit to the team if only for a year to help them develop.

[bingo]

Actually i'm pleased with the moves. Tarn although a fan favorite because he always tried does not mean performance. Look at the lines and no one should be surprised.

MVP Line
Stammer, Malone Vbrata
Then you fill out the 3rd and fourth lines with r2kn, roberts, Recchi, Grats, Craig, Halpern (on return), Jussi, and Hall. Koci only till the return of Halpern if he last's that long. To me that leaves Koci on the outside lookin to Norfolk.

I don't know about you but the forwards are a strong part of this team. We need no more nightmares of the 04 version.

Goalies - Smith / Kolzig

The "D" is the ??????. Players seem ok nothing strong though like the Detroit 'D'..... It will be the weak point of the team. Maybe the advent of Ramo as a strong candidate for goalie could fetch a quality 'D' man at the trade deadline especially if he put's up the 'W's in Norfolk. Also, note we are deep with Helinius. I watched him closely during all the scrimages he is sound always in position with quick lightning hands and he is HUGE in size and all of 20 years old. The logical replacement in about 3 - 4 years.

Ward is the logical choice to be gone but we have been surprised before and no reason to think we won't be again.

Bingo

[McGz]

The owners purged the team from every free agent, trade or AHL level player Jay Feaster brought in and threw money at to try to save the sinking ship the last three years--except OB. I would like to think he might not last long if he doesn't get it together soon. Smaby would be a nice addition.
Ward was somewhat effective at the penalty kill but was slow and expendable when Recchi and Roberts were signed. I liked Tarnasky too at his salary but he was doomed when Arty came back from Russia.

[Don in St. Pete]

great post Bingo, and very in depth as to Oct. 2008 versus Oct. 2007. I'll carry it a little further here. Which is better last years lines or this years. We'll skip the 1st line as they're the same.

Darche-Richards-Ouellet
or
Malone-Stamkos-Vrbata

Craig-Gratton-Ward
or
Roberts-Jokinen-Artyukhin

Roy-McDonald-Tarnasky
or
Hall-Gratton-Recchi

In similar fashion our defense is better overall although not as cut and dried on paper.

Boyle-Ranger
or
Meszaros-Mihalik

Kuba-O'Brien
or
Niskala-Carle

Luckowich-Lundin
or
O'Brien-Lundin

A lot depends upon how the goaltending holds up. If they continue to feast upon the heavey shot load we will be in good shape. Meanwhile Smabt is waiting in the wings to provide a solid physical prescence.

[Chris]

Don correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Craig get injured at the beginning of last year? If so then to be fair I think you would need to include Halpern. However then the lines are going to get messy

[PD]

Right Ajax, Jussi Halpern and Smith for Richards//thats a crime. You can't give Jussi away and Halpern is done. Smith 3-11 with us last year has much to prove.
They could have Richards and Boyle in this lineup if they knew what they were doing..gas Roberts, Recchi and Verbatta
Do the math Ajax its not hard. You are such a Koules Homer.

[Don in St. Pete]

Pd, And we'd finish 30th in the league again. What value is there to that other than gaining the first pick in the draft? I guess you don't want the Leafies to finish last so you're hoping the former version of the Bolts would return to suck worse. Ain't gonna happen! In fact pencil us in in the top half of the playoff teams for this season. You recently claimed the Rangers were the team to beat in the east, do you still stand by that idiotic endorsement? GO BOLTS!

[Don in St. Pete]

A lot of good it's done the Stars having Richy over there. I'd bet anything that they would reverse that trade in a heartbeat. We were fortunate to uinlod him when we did. If he was maning $3.5 mil per then you have the luxury of signing some wingers to play with him. His astronomical salary lead to all of his friends being traded or allowed to walk via FA. Sorry but the Bolts are a much better team without Richy.

[ajax]

PD, for the millionth time give us your roster with VL4, Richards, Marty, Boyle all here. Fill in the blanks. Remember we are paying part of Denis still, I believe. So come in at about 47-48 million with 4 guys taking up 27 million. Fill in the blanks with 16 other guys adding up to 20 million. PD please do this, we are all waiting. Remember anyone under contract that you drop you must count approx. 1/2 their salary weather they are here or not. I will save you some time, the roster will be weaker than last year. Almost the entire extra money spent versus last year was given to Boyle alone. Vinny more, Boyle way more, Richards and Marty the same equals less money for the rest of the team. Please show us the way PD. And don't forget the big equation. We still have Homer as our starting goalie(oops he is starting in Frolunda this year). Come on blog, I don't think I am over simplifying. Maybe Danny and Vinny take way less if Brad stays??.(little jest there, sorry) What am I missing. Same core, much higher salaries equals same team, LESS even more bums.
We finish dead last and still have to fill our roster with about 8 500k players and Homer in net.
Please fill in what Hollywood should of done. Give us your wish list Grumpy.
And P.S. PD, in your brief but ornery analogy you forgot to mention the 4+ million we got to spend from that deal.
By the way, resigning your guys means Prospal for sure wouldn't be on the roster either. I await this awesome team you will build with 1 mil per player for the other 16 spots.
Salary for Salary
Halpern, Smith, Jussi, Roberts, Recchi, R2KN or Richards and Homer.(and we still have 350k for popcorn)
I truly believe you might be the only one on the planet to stick with Brad( Homer is back where he belonged, Europe)
To be really fair my list includes 6 players on the roster. To make the dollars really fair you would have to list at least 5 550k bumbs making your total about 10.3 million for the same 6 spots. Oh!!!, I could spend another 2.8 million.
PD once in for all:
Was Richards the best player in the NHL in 06-07? He was paid to be
Best in 07-08? He was paid to be.
3rd best this year, was that a chuckle? Cause he will be paid to be.
Did you pay 50k for a Honda Accord PD?? No matter what Cowboy did PD, you still go back to Brad and the highest contract in the entire NHL and say we should of kept him. Maddening.

[jrorlando]

Hate to see Tarno's hard working 'tude gone. Where will that shot blocking stat come from? Good luck to him in Nash.

[Boltflasher]

While watching one of the Ranger games on MSG, the Ranger announcers made a point to mention that the Bolts situation was made hopeless last year due to awful goaltending and Richards contract that handcuffed the Lightning's ability to make significant improvements....funny how Richards numbers when way down when Marty was no longer on his line...but enuff about Brad who couldn't even crack the top 2 lines at Big D.

[topshelf]

With the Richards deal, freeing up that money had to be done. If we could re-do that trade though, I would at least think about it, obviously a few other moves would have to happen to even make it look good.
Sending Jussi, Halpern, and Smitty for Richards we would have to assume the following as well

Not signing Recchi (add Jason Ward to roster)
Not signing Roberts
Not signing Gratton (add Tarnasky back to lineup)
Replacing Smith's contract with Ramo

Prospal Vinny Marty
Malone Richards Vrbata
R2 Stamkos Craig
Ward Tarns Hall

same D

Kolzig-Ramo

I believe the above would just work under the cap. Not saying this would be a better line up, just kinda throwing it out there for this Richards debate.

[léo]

Well, MikeyP.
My grandpa has also got TONS of experience. But guess what?
He's over the hill too.
P.

[matthew]

Really saw this coming the other day I mentioned that they were keeping arty because along with his pysical presence he can put points on the board does this mean ward is gone probably so where does that leave Craig, koci, or Halpren. I think ward is gone no biggy but who goes afterwards get better trade value with Halpren but then again Halpren can score. when the hell was the last time Craig put the puck in the net. Its a shame Oullette didnt play bad during the preseason but just a casualty of Hollywood spending! Saw it a mile away!

[steve]

I think it's great we can finally talk about NHL caliber players not making this team, has that ever happened? Normally, it's what 2 or 3 AHL players make this team, not anymore. This organization as a whole is making strides.

[rbc]

Some of you people are just plain crazy. The bolts line up is so much better this year, they actually have choices on who to send down. Last year half the players were basically at ahl level. We have some good depth at all positions and i think our defense will be alot better than what we had last year. It's gonna take time for the players to jell, after 25 five games though i say look out. Next year roberts,recchi,kolzig and a few more players will not be here and that gives us some room to add that elusive top d-man and the way these cowboys go after people i would not be suprised if we land j-bo, if he is not resigned and goes to ufa. Gotta like what these cowboys done so far but give them time and we will see, as far these ranger,habs and leaf lovers go, good luck with your teams and still rather have our team and owners.

[ajax]

Topshelf, thank-you very much. That wasn't so hard, but other people complain but can't seem to offer solutions.
Your line up would come in at almost 55 million, up about 8-10 million from last year. But, I like the idea. I really like the effort and educated response. Solutions are so much better than criticism in life. Now trim the roster at least 5-7 million. Remember when you take a big salary out you have to add back in the guy you replace him with.
Kolzig/Ramo at goalie instead of Smith. My vote is no way. This kills so much of the conversation for me. But remember you still have to trim 5-7 mil and then lets look at the finished portrait.
Hard to discuss the forward situation, because of the injury to Halpern. But that isn't an argument. You can't argue something was an awful trade because of an injury. We are all geniuses if we know the future.
If you replace on your list Richards Ward and Ramos with Halpern, Jussi and Smith, you get down to 51 million, which means you still have to clear someone like Malone or Prospal off the list and replace with a minimum wage guy. See the trouble?? Or you do one swap on D to get to the 48 mil mark. Boyle out Mezzy in.
I think you helped me make my point, ALL OF OUR (US BOLT FANS) POINTS
Keeping all the stars is financially impossible unless you want to spend 55 million. And even if you do, and you can spend the max, you start 38yr old Kolzig for 60 games.
Thank-you topshelf for exchanging ideas rather than automatic kneejerk criticism.
The star system was a 110% failure.
Just had a brainstorm!!! Should of kept Richards and dumped VL4. I am sure that would of made all of Tampa Bay soooooo happy. OUCH, double OUCH.
PS I read the net lots. Everything I read is that we got the real deal in Mezzy. The guy does it all and is 22?
Last statement, others have eluded to this. Hello, we finished dead last in 2007-08.

[léo]

That's kinda generalizing, dontcha think Ajax?
"Solution" is the opposite of Problem. Not the opposite of Criticism.
If EVERYONE had solutions, then those who win have the MOST solutions and those who don't have the less, aye?
Putting Kolzig in Smitty's place is obviously an opinion, not a solution. To be taken as such. Smitty is your num1, Ollly, your 2nd.
As to money to money, you're right cap-wise, but talent to talent is what pushes your team to victory.
Nothing wrong with hating a player. That's opinion.
But for Brad's "services rendered"? Pass or fail?
You WON. That's a fact.
As for not having and D because of money-moving concerns, guess what? THAT'S part of the game!
That's like saying: "The only reason we're not good is because we're not good."
Here's a solution: Why not remember that you needed D before going on a O-crazy spending spree. You got 2 1-liners, 2 2-liners and a plethora of shmoe-liners.
Winning every game 8-7 is NOT a viable solution. The inexperience of your D-corps (Mezzy included, cuz his role is different now) is a FACT.
As for the links that say Mezzy is "the real deal" (Wow! Cheeky!), may I see them?
Anything below Texas doesn't count. Anything in TB doesn't count. Jay Feaster's blog doesn't count. Anyone who is OBVIOUSLY below the age of 15 doesn't count. Show me.
And none better have the words "Puck Daddy" anywhere on the header.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, In defense of Mez, he's played top pairing all preseason and has yet to allow a goal when he's on the ice. He clears the front of the net, hits people, blocks shots and moves the puck out of the zone very effectively. I've seen it with my own eyes, but I'm in Florida so I don't count.

[PD]

Ajax I will tumble some numbers when I have a minute..see top shelf's post for a head start

[PD]

Nailed it Leo

[léo]

That's in preseason, Don. Like Schenn scoring the overtime winner and Mueller potting three. That's a game in preseason.
My Boys lost 8-3 to Boston one night and beat the Cup champs the next.
Preseason games showcase NEW PLAYERS and KIDS, not TEAMS.
The real team is showcased on the FINAL preseason game. And of course, games against the Berlin "Ice Barons" don't count.
I'm not knocking Mezzy. Maybe he CAN be a num1.
And 10 games into the regular season will give us all a reliable sense of what's what with the cat. If he can be a num1 or not. And then we wait another 10 games to check again. And another. And another. Until it's not 10 games but 82. Because, as we all know, it's 82 that counts, not 1, 10, 20 or 66. It's 82. And that's it.
But let's start with 10.
Let's see how Mezzy's "effectiveness in not allowing goals when he's on the ice, (how) He clears the front of the net, hits people, blocks shots and moves the puck out of the zone..." applies THEN, Don.
And we'll see...
P.

[matthew]

Wow ajax you seem to amaze me with the stupid stuff you come up with was it just me and my bro who thought that when the new salary cap system came out 3 years ago we should have gotten rid of one of the big three and certainly not Vinny and to tell you the truth as much as St.Louis is small he is so good and jells so well with Vinny, So both of us said that the most obvious choice was Richards because even though he has great talent he really doesnt have a spark or that fire that both St. Louis and Vinny bring the rink every night. Not to mention for God sakes he was the winner of the Lady Bing trophey presented to the player who best demonstrates sportsmanship and getelmanly behavior, this is hockey not golf or tennis! He would never really gety involved in scrums and use to just skate away. Im not saying go out there and kick some butt. You at least need to stand up for your teamates. That would have either left enough room to keep Khabibulin or get and oustanding FA in net and would have enough left over to get some point production back not all and richards trade value was at its max. hmm seems 3 years to late and didnt get what we could have got but we got a decent bit!

[coach bill]

Matthew- The Lady byng is not for fairies. Bobby Hull won that once.

[matthew]

So would you rather have Richards vs Vinny or St. Louis hmm let me think here for a second de te de! Of course you want Vinney or St. Louis anyday over Richards and no offense great and wonderful outstanding player and thank him for his services and in my comment I even said when the cap 1st came out he should have gone instead of Khabibulin because even if you didnt sign nick you would have gotten huge trade value for richards gotten a great goalie and decent forwards for him and no offense he was kind of a panzy when the hell did he ever get mean. I mean St.Louis is like 5'9 or 5'10 and skates and even he would get mad once in a while