Some names to watch as free agency opens

No, big long analysis here, since we have a story in tomorrow's paper that will also appear on the web site, but wanted to give a heads up, and perhaps prompt some discussion, about what players the Lightning could be looking at in free agency, which opens at noon on Wednesday.

"We're not looking to make any big splashes," GM Brian Lawton said. "Slow and steady."

Defense: Clearly the position that must be upgraded the most. I'll start with what might seem like a long shot and perhaps it is, but on one level it makes sense. Mattias Ohlund (Canucks). He plays a good two-way game and plays the rugged game the Lightning sorely lacks. He also is Swedish and could be the mentor needed for Swedish draft choice Victor Hedman. He is expensive, though. ... Keep an eye on Matt Walker (Blackhawks) as well. Not big offensively, but another gritty player who is versatile and can kill penalties. ... Lawton predicted Steve Eminger likely would become available after he traded him to the Panthers. Lawton was right as Eminger was not qualified and is unrestricted. ... Cory Murphy, a valuable part of the power play last season, doesn't seem to be in Tampa Bay's plans.

Forwards: I'll tell you who I like and in whom the Lightning may have interest: Chad LaRose (Hurricanes). He had 19 goals last season, will be relatively cheap, and he was a thorn in the Lightning's side all season.

Goalie: Thought Robert Esche was going to be in the mix, but there is talk that has changed, though can't figure out exactly why. So, how does Ty Conklin sound as Mike Smith's backup? Did a great job with the Red Wings last season and with a reasonable salary. ... Oh, and there certainly are the usual rumors that Tampa Bay wants Nikolai Khabibulin back. Seems to come up every season.

Just guesses, though some based on conversations with people around the league. We'll see how it shakes out on Wednesday.

Comments

[Jim - NJ]

Ohlund: 6-19-25 Pts in 82 games
Murphy: 5-10-15 Pts in 25 games

Murphy wouldve come at half that price.
And we wouldn't be worrying about scarce dmen making us shorthanded every game!

And both have experience but murphys got better brains.

[Patrick]

Well, they got the ideal guy for the investment of Hedman, but did it have to take 7 years? I don't mind the 3.5 mil per season at all, but in seven years he's going to be 39-40. Around that time, Vinny is going to be moving into his twilight years and now so will Ohlund.

We're going to need to set aside some money for Stamkos, Hedman and Smith for their future contracts - they are going to be the core after Vinny is out of his prime and St. Louis is no longer with the team. Given the press the lightning have had lately, I can see them needing to do something extreme to get someone like Ohlund... but this has to be the last of the 5+ year deals for a while I hope, until it's time to resign Stamkos, Hedman and Smitty.

I'm happy ownership is taking big steps to address the team's needs and it looks like they are being smarter about it this year... but it's still early, heh.

[Josh]

TSN - Seven years for 3.75 Mil a year on Ohlund.

[Josh]

We now have the defenseman we've been looking for. YES. Now, time for goalies.

[Josh]

Mattias Ohlund signs with the Lightning

[Don in St. Pete]

Eklund is reporting the Bolts have signed Matthias Ohlund!

Go Bolts!

[Patrick]

Latest from JJ:

Update: I'm predicting the Lightning will land a bigger d-man than most might expect.

Also, 100 % certain now that Cory Murphy will not return.

[Casper]

Geo, I must agree on Clemmenson over Conklin et al. All we need is somebody to backstop our rebuild with solid net play. They will increase their value in 2 years and extort double the millions in around 2011 or 12, right about the time for Riku or Tokarski to hit the stage.

Sorry Big Mike, but I feel in my gut the concussions are going to make for another installment of the Lightning Goalie Tragedy.

Boutin was not too horrible when he languished for us in Springfield and Norfolk.
Interesting.

Go Bolts!

[Don in St. Pete]

Geo, Niemi signed with Chicago last night and most of the other RFA's have been qualified. Jon Jordan claims the Bolts will be targeting one of the top UFA defensemen, but doesn't say who on twitter. Cross your fingers it's Ohlund. If they decided not to resign Krajicek, then Murph could figure in the equation. I would expect Columbus or even Montreal to offer him more money.

[Geografer]

Oh and Esche to me should be out of the question. Played well in KHL but gets to Worlds and his true colors show. Chico can stay in Russia and be great or come here (for probably way too much $$$) and choke (there is a reason he has been in KHL for 3 years).

[Geografer]

Oldtimer - that is because Johnson isn't UFA or RFA for that matter. Unless there is a trade he is out of this equation.

My picks are (in order) - Clemmenson, Conklin, Anderson. A name I haven't seen mentioned anywhere and is a very interesting possibility would be Brian Boucher with San Jose.

Some other (cheaper though not as realiable) options available would be Yann Danis, Joey MacDonald, Stephen Valiquette (really big guy), J-S Aubin, Martin Biron (not cheaper – doubt we could afford him), Mathieu Garon, Wade Dubielewicz, Dany Sabourin, Jason Labarbera (never has really found a home – rushed to the NHL by LA due to desperation [are you listening OK Hockey?] former Spokane Chief – did well in Jrs may be a good back-up – a bit more of a gamble) and Curtis Sandford.

There are also some intriguing RFA's out there including Corey Crawford, Antti Niemi, Jason Bacashihua, Justin Pogge, Josh Harding, Jonathan Boutin and Thomas Greiss but don't know where there are in terms of being eligible for offer sheets or costs.

Gerber, Joseph and Kolzig are all also looking for homes but don't see that. Of course so is Denis!! ;^)

[Casper]

Excellent point Steve! We ARE relying too much on a medical unknown in Range and Mez.

Chad LaRose would be a nice pick up if only to balance the Universe while the Canes play kissy face with Jokinen.

Here’s one way to judge your own talent: If we cannot package a deal or get even a nibble for Artyukhin, Vrbata, Craig, or Pettinger, then why the Christ are they here?

Go Bolts!

[goldenbolt]

I will restate that at least for now the Vincent talk is done.
The two items to be addressed:
backup goaltender.
3 names
Clemmenson
Anderson
Conklin
All could start for a period of time if needed enough said.

I agree it would be great to have another winger if possible and larosa would definitely fill that spot but the real need is something solid on 'D'.
Like Don I think the player should be Ohlund - Yes it will cost but it fills a huge whole and as someone indicated can tutor the youngs guns hedman and smaby in particular. It is worth the 3 - 4 a year it would take.

We can hope that Vbrata will stay in europe and keep the 3mil off the books. That would fill make the Ohlund deal doable.

Although Prospal is costly this is his every other year to shine. I fully expect a bounce back year.

Murphy is expensive at 1 mil and he is looking for 1.5 or so from the rumor mill. If Hedman plays - and yes he will make mistakes - like he looks we will be ok on the PP.

Not much has been said about Arty i think he sticks. Our problem in evaluation is we see he could really be a stud if he went to the net. However, there is nothing wrong with speed, power and mucking in the corners. There is not another player on the team who the opposing 'D' keeps looking over their shoulder for. He causes turnovers, forces penalties and is not intimidated. Does he take a bad penalty? Sure he does but that is more on reputation than actual sins.

Form Downie, Tyrell and Carter should come the other players.
I posted some info on Hutchings that was to me very interesting. Did not see any comment and PD yours does not count.

The fourth period now that is comical because that is what the canadian teams have been about for the last 16 years. They always win the cup in the fourthperiod. Problem is there are only three periods of hockey.

sept 14 boooyahhhh

Mike

[Steve-O]

I like Murphy too, but there are a limited number of spots so who do you leave off to include him? We need a more mature #1-2 type guy to lead and mentor our young D. That isn't Murph. So who do you remove to free up the spot for Murph? BTW I am concerned about how aggressive Ranger and Mez will be coming off surgery. We are counting on them a lot regardless of who else they may bring in. That is a little scary!

[Casper]

I’ve written off Khabby long ago as a malingering greedy athlete that only wants to perform in the post-season.

Everybody wants to strike gold with an unknown or previously unknown commodity; I offer Tim Thomas as the best, most recent example. With a sound defense and another couple of years of Cap Raeder tutelage, Mike McKenna had that funny intangible about him.

Now in order to bide time for our amazing future goalies, we sift through the resale and thrift shops for someone to merely hold the fort and steal a game here and there. We don’t need a back up, we need an economical #1 and #2. For example, Conklin and Legace. Manny Legace, like Kolzig, is an extremely good character guy and would be another blessing to the Organization. Smitty will be this years Halpern and not ready before December---a bet no one wants to make. I’m betting on a 13 month layoff (Down from 18 and then 15.).

All the names mentioned are credible on this day and I agree with Lawyerton; we need to take short, sure steps.

Leave Esche out of any equation. His mouth could be disruptive off the ice, even if Tocc may like his Philly atty-tude. Wasn’t this cat the guy who said one of the USA Olympic goalies shouldn’t be in the NHL; and he was strongly alluding to Johnny Grahame? Esche may have been right, but that mouth…

Jim, I like Murphy too. They can’t all be Redwood trees and this guy clicks with V4 on the PP about as well as anybody.

Go Bolts!

[NickD2D]

I agree with you on Murphy Jim, but I don't think it's in the cards. I really don't know why. Maybe he'll be too pricey for what they think he brings to the table? Whatever the reason, I think we're better off concentrating on who else they can get cause having our hearts set on Murph is asking to be seriously disappointed. I think we may as well write off Ohlund as well. I'm not sure he would come here even if we could afford what he's likely to ask for.

[Casper]

I don’t have any heartburn with the wish list thus far. But Chelios? YGTBSM, Ray Bourque is only 2 years older and has number 7 history with Espo. Gee folks, maybe INTEGRITY will help transition HockeyBay into HockeyMagnet. Ya think?

If we want a defensive old fart, why not bring back old Bolts? I think Jassen Cullimore (offer the Pantons a couple of new goalies. lol) would come cheaper than Ohlund (who would be great, BTW) and would help Big Vic with using the jumbo size more wisely in the NHL. What is Joe Reekie doing these days? Would he laugh in our face if we invited him behind our bench? How impossible would it be to pry Todd Reirden away from the Penguins’ farm club now?

Really though, it’s no secret whom I want to coach our defense. If our club took on the persona of Rick Tocchet and Denis Potvin, we would be hell on skates to play against, to be sure.

By the way, has Adam Oates returned any calls lately?

It was nice waking up this morning with our Captain still with us. This is a good start on the road toward that integrity thing I mentioned earlier.

Go Bolts!

[Jim - NJ]

Sorry, 1 more thing- Murphy's Shooting % is over 10. And that doesn't include all the tip-in assists. Remarkable.

[Jim - NJ]

Here's something that will turn everyone's head on Cory Murphy:

He finished with a -3 rating, which with the team as bad as it was is incredible.

To make it even better, the plus +/- does NOT include powerplay points.

If it did, he'd be a +7 (not to mention the times he didn't get a point but was still on the ice)

So there, is that enough to make everyone a fan of Cory now?!?

A D-man last season that actually saw (A LOT) more goals scored than against?

[PD]

Hyj..your guy is Clemmenson.
run don't walk.

[Jim - NJ]

Hockeybay- Boyle was short. St Louis is short. We have some big d already. Size doesn't equal skill. That's why we have a 3rd n 4th line. We need players that know how to contain the puck, not goof around.

Did I mention murphy's stats? On a team like last season, theyspeak for themselves.

Hedman/Murphy- go 1 way n get pounded, go the otherway n get schooled. I like that scenario.

Our D would be: hedman meszaros ranger Murphy plus 2 kids. That's such an ideal situation. Ranger n Murphy play in o-zone. Hedman n mesz stay on the line. It's a coach'sdream!

[hyjyljyj]

While not quite as impassioned as JerseyJim, I too was very positively impressed by the play of Cory Murphy. Kid made almost no errors, did more than what was asked of him. If the NHL would listen to me for once and allow teams to dress two additional guys per game--lengthen the bench just a tad and provide some fresh legs for the fans in case of things like injury, fatigue, etc.--he'd be a great PP specialist for sure. It'd be understandable if they pass on him because of a plan to make the D BIGGER. Time will tell.

Khabi as a concept IMHO doesn't fit here, because of Smith. If we were dead certain Smith was totally kaput, then of course we'd like to see what Khabi could do if out from under the heavy expectations of Tortorella, whom I mostly like but was notoriously hard on goalies. The guy is a fierce competitor, Vezina finalist and Stanley Cup champion. Conklin would be OK as a backup; however we need to be looking for a veteran #1, who could settle into a backup role from a physicality standpoint but be a #1 if needed, a battler who can carry the team if they happen to get lucky and sniff the show. Like who? I dunno. What do I have to do, everything?? >:^D) jk

[HockeyBay.com]

Ty Conklin, Chad LaRose, Chris Chelios would be awesome! Cory is too small no?

[Jim - NJ]

CORY MURPHY:

What the Senator's papers are saying:

An undervalued 'MoneyBall'-type defender. Murphy can 'QB' a PP and skate"

LIGHTNING GM(s): REMEMBER WHY YOU BROUGHT HIM HERE TO BEGIN WITH! He far surpassed his expectations. Don't lie to yourselves and the fans! He was one of the very few brightspots of this roster last year! He's not injury prone, it was a broken foot!!! He's fine!

[Jim - NJ]

If anyone big is reading these and sees the New Jersey monicker, I do attend about a dozen games a year and I watch about 90% of the rest on NHL Center Ice. I'm not an out-of-towner looking in, I pay good money to this team when I'm in the Bay area.

I only keep the NJ on there because someone else here was using "Jim" for a while and I didn't want confusion.

SIGN CORY MURPHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jim - NJ]

Oldtimer: I've seen Johnson's name come up in the past. He would be a great addition but I don't see this team getting into a bidding war for him as good goalies are hot ticket lately for other teams that are more attractive than this circus. We can always hope though.

NOT SIGNING MURPHY IS A MISTAKE. A BAD MISTAKE. They need to learn from the Boyle trade- DO NOT TRADE AWAY YOUR SOLID PLAYERS!!! Especially as cheap as Murphy.

Murphy is a no brainer. THe only reason I can see why they didn't sign him is that Murphy wants out, which I can understand. Them not wanting him is just another chock that these guys have a very ignorant view of the sport and budgeting.

CORY MURPHY NEEDS TO BE A PRIORITY FOR THIS YOUNG DEFENSE.

SIGN MURPHY!!!

SIGN MURPHY!

[oldtimer]

Link to Brent Johnson Career Stats;

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/1684

[oldtimer]

The guy I would love to see here is Caps Goalie Brent Johnson. His name never seems to come up when talk of UFA goalies are mentioned but I would take him over any goalie available this year. That includes Nikoli "High Glove Side" Khabubulin and Ty Conklin.

Due to injuries to Caps goalies the past few years, Brent has started for long stretches in the regular season and he is ready to take the next step.

He would allow us to bring back Smitty slowly. (He may even be a better goalie than Smith)

[Joe]

The panthers did not qualify Emmenger. Might be someone to look at!

[Josh]

I agree with signing Chelios, though I doubt Lawton would want to, since it seems he's made it apparent that he wants younger guys for the "future" of the team. Then again, we signed Gary Roberts and Mark Recchi last year, so who knows what would happen.

[Mike in Bangkok]

I agree with the comment about Chelios, for exactly the same reasons. I've been mentioning exactly that to friends in Canada and the States over the past two or three weeks. I think that would be a good move that wouldn't cost a lot of money and Chris still has plent you grit in his game and can do a lot to teach these guys how to play the game, much the way Big Dave did for Vinny, Richards and Marty before the Cup.

[Mike13]

How exactly would acquiring Mattias Ohlund NOT be a big splash?

I've already thrown out the names I like, though I don't think I've really mentioned Eminger. I'd love to see him back in a Bolts sweater, but I think he may be looking for a significant pay increase (which was why Lawton traded him at the deadline).

Esche is also a very interesting idea for a BU Goalie. Not sure what happened to the guy. One day he was the Flyers starter and the next, he fell off the face of the planet.

[Michael]

Just an idea I had. I know this is a LONG SHOT, but is there any chance maybe Chris Chelios might come to the Bolts for a year? I know he will probably want a chance to play for the cup and the Lightning dont offer that, but he would be reasonably priced I think, and would be a GREAT teacher for the young Lightning defence. He has won how many, 3 Norris Trophys? I know he wont probably want to sign here, and for a young team a 47 year old is unlikely, but any chance? Whats your thoughts?

[Patrick]

With defensemen, the lightning have so many young prospects now - Lashoff, Mihalik, Wishart, Lundin, Quick - they need to leave room for some of them to come up and play when they are ready for it. With that and the addition of Hedman, I think they should just sign one more top 2 or top 4 guy. Steve Eminger would even be fine with me as we know we did well here last year. Eminger is only 25, he still has some room for growth.

The top four would be some combination of Mezaros, Ranger, Eminger, and Smaby. The third pair would be Hedman and whoever wins in camp between Lashoff, Wishart, Mihalik or Lundin.

I would basically rotate all three pairs almost evenly early in the season and wait to see who shows the most growth given that they are all young and adjust ice time accordingly. I don't see us making a playoff push unless things fall into place for us next year and all our defensemen are young and need lots of ice time. It would be a building year for the future. This group, young as it is, would still be a big improvement over the group last year that used Melichar, Malik, and Krajicek.

[Don in St. Pete]

I like Cnklin in the Backup role. I'm sure Anderson and Clemmenson will get a chance to start somewhere. Ohlund would be Ideal, but an inexspensive veteran is more likely ( however if we sign all our tendered RFA's and Hedman, we'll have 7 d under contract ). I like Murph but he struggled in our zone, Lashoff brings the same game cheaper and has more potential ( though he sure didn't show much of it last year ). I like Larose, he's feisty for his size and doesn't mine traffic. I'm not sure we can afford more than a guy like LaRose.

[Patrick]

The mention of Chad Larose is interesting to me. I was reading a hurricanes blog writer talk about him and he sounded like a slightly less talented Marty (from Matt Karash):

"Chad Larose has been given absolutely nothing in terms of an NHL career. He was too small, too something, just a 4th-liner, etc. Everything that he got higher than a 4th-line/borderline AHLer, he earned via hard work. And in terms of NHL pay, he has been on the low end of the scale because of it earning only $875,000 last season while rising to a top 6 spot, scoring 19 goals (minus power play minutes) and just being 1 of the teams better players on a nightly basis."

If they can afford him and he decides to leave, he might be a spark plug for the 3rd line and spot duty on the 2nd line.

[RICK L]

with this defense,could someone tell me why murphy isn't part of the tbl plans?

[Super Fly]

Sad to see Murphy go. I would pick him up for around a million or less a season if possible. I think he's certainly a top 6 on this team, especially if we get another bite of the injury bug.

[Boltflasher]

Conklin would certainly be a tad cheaper than Khabi...