Lightning continues to pursue Sundin

The Lightning is one of perhaps 10 teams “keeping fairly regular contact” with center Mats Sundin, the agent for the free agent center said.
   “Tampa has different people who have been talking to Mats on a regular basis,” agent J.P. Barry said Friday. “There is definitely sincere interest there.”
   Barry said Sundin, 37, who had 32 goals last season for the Maple Leafs, will begin serious skating next week and could be playing by mid to late December. Barry said he has yet to get a “short list” of potential teams from his client, but believes that could come by the end of November.
   There was no immediate comment from the Lightning.
  It would not be simple for Tampa Bay to make such a move. The team already has 14 forwards and it expects center Jeff Halpern (knee) to be ready by mid to late December. That means it would have to clear out roster and salary space.
   Sundin is expected to sign for about $7-million, pro-rated to the remainder of the season. If he signs on Dec. 12, that’s 60 days, one-third, into the season, so his contract would be for two-thirds of for whatever he signs.
   The Lightning salary cap number is about $52-million. The limit is $56.7-million.
   Finally, Sundin, who is good friends with Tampa Bay wing Gary Roberts, wants to play for a Stanley Cup. Where Tampa Bay stands in terms of playoff contention as things progress likely will have a big impact.

Comments

[Topshelf19]

I believe we do need to add a top notch blueliner, but finding a way to sign Sundin and sit him in the roster would be worth it. I know Vinny4 hasn't been playing great, but who wouldn't want to add another player of his dynamic (even for just 50-60 games).

The trading of Matt Carle, and if we could drop Vrbata's contract in a trade, then signing Sundin for the amount he wants is very possible from our end. The question if Sundin wants to play for us is another.

Malone-Sundin-Recchi line would do very well I think.

But though it all sounds nice, not likely, and not as important as bringing in a top notch blueliner.

[Brian]

Defense wins championships!!!!!!!!!If you score 5 in a game,but lose 6-5. Offense isn't the way to go. I thought this was common sense 101 !!!!

[Pd]

Don you will starting on D for the Bolts before Mats skates for them.
(I'm sure they could do worse than you).
Just Damian redirecting the bad energy.
Bogus story.

[Don in St. Pete]

I think this is just kicking tires, maybe trying to find out what the other GM's are up to. We have about 7 natural centers on the roster now. Personally, I'd rather see Downie, Konopka and Smolenak get a chance.

[Joe Uraco]

Is Mark Messier not available?

[Tony]

Why in the world would Sundin want to play on this garbage team? Don't think so...

[Geografer]

If you are going to go after yet another forward (which is absolutly NOT what this team needs) and you want to get an old guy why not get Shannahan? At least he can stand up for himself and his teammates. Has Sundin ever? He is not exactly in the top 50 names that come to mind when you think grit. And according to the cowboys that is what this team needs (not defense apparently).

[James]

Man... the Bolts suck. Only Melrose? How about the entire owners box along with him?

[léo]

NEWSFLASH
You heard from the Canadian first.
Melrose OUT.
Apparently, Tocchet in.
P.

I thought this article was very interesting: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Rumours-of-the-Tampa-Bay-Lightnings-Death-are-Greatly-Exaggerated/1/17868 I guess this puts to rest any rumours about the new management not being able to afford the team.

[Spat_47]

Brining in Sundin would be an improvemnet, though they can't afford him.I think that the team needs to just relax and get back to the basics. They give the puck away too many times trying to do TOO MUCH with the puck. If you are in position that's half the battle.

[slapshot]

How about getting a veteran D-man

[Jeremy]

It cracks me up that they would pay 7 mil for another forward, but couldnt keep Boyle.

[ben bolt fan]

Wow this owner and Gm are really reaching. Leave Sundin alone, this team will not win the cup. Unless this team does a 180, they will not make the playoffs. I thougth line worked well last night and V4 on line two is good for him. Once Malone comes back, move that usless Vrbata down and cut/trade Gratton. Leave the rookie on line three or four and let him learn the game of forchecking. He can give those lins some boost with his speed and some (very little) scoring.

[Craig]

The ONLY way it would make sense would be if we cut dead weight and both parties agree to a sign and trade? ...We sign Sundin and trade him for a solid core of defensemen.

Beginning to think the real fight on this club is for which part of management gets in front of the camera everyday. With all that actually can be fixed thru management moves, to spend even a second wasting it on the pursuit of the old guy is crazy, wasteful, ignorant, moronic, etc etc. Only the rich and shameless will get the opportunity(haha) to sign Sundin.

[Larry David]

Lawton will cost the Bolts big time.

Look for VC, MSL to get out, they simply don't have time to waste while Billy Ray and Lawton get up to speed.

These guys need to win NOW.

Unless Tampa ownership realizes they need big time experience in a coach and GM, in order to retain their big time players, consider Tampa dead.

[Eric]

We need a puck-moving D-man...not another center.

[danger]

Please no. We do not need Sundin, what we need to do is start playing Stamkos more than 9 friggin' minutes game. In what world does Garry Roberts play 3 minutes less than Vincent Lecavalier? Everyone is just looking for that quick fix by doing drastic nonsense, ex. taking Vinny off the MVP line, the revolving door of players, etc. Everyone involved with this team with the exception of the players and the trainers are starting to become a joke.

[McGz]

No way Sundin comes to Tampa. Didn't we get rid of Boyle for having less salary than that? There are so many haters up north that I think people just make up rumors about this team and other southern teams that they want moved or contracted or to be a second team in Toronto. It ridiculous when you think about it.

There's an interesting read on Eklund's blog about the Lightning's financials. Everyone is talking trash about our team.

[McGz]

I'll tell you what is pathetic. Whoever made that YouTube video in the first post is pathetic. Whoever decides to post it here is pathetic And yes I agree people who change jerseys and chant for another team in their home building is pathetic. Someone actually took the time to do that? I actually heard let's go lightning but I wasn't at the game.

[boltcc]

Isn't there other places we could improve this team ???????
We overspent on offense and traded away on defense.

[JK]

Oh please, enough already with this front office.

[CJ AHRENS]

dont we have enough old bums.let the kids play and learn

[pssh]

If Mats Sundin really wants a cup, he wont even think about going to the Lightning, this a waste of time to even speculate about, more $$$ spent on underachieving forwards is $$$ that could of gone to defense

[Dave]

This doesn't strike me as a "we need a veteran to get us over the hump" type of move. Not exactly like when they signed Andreychuk and Sydor.

On the other hand, he is Captain material. Maybe he gets the defacto C. Vinny can wear it on the sweater.

[HockeyBay.com]

So who gets the boot if MATS comes to Tampa? Marty?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LQ27ypA3Xk