With Mike Smith improving, GM Lawton says he won't look for net help in free agency

We'll have more on this in Saturday's paper, but it appears the Lightning is satisfied enough with the progress goaltender Mike Smith is making while recovering from post-concussion syndrome that GM Brian Lawton will not look for a goalie in free agency. Lawton last month floated the idea he might have to do that if Smith's recovery stalled, but this week said, "We feel 100 percent comfortable with him. He's going to be ready. He's on track."

Asked if he will be ready for training camp," Smith said, "Absolutely."

Smith said he is working out hard, both on the stationary bike and with weights and has raised his heart rate to 175, which Lightning trainer Tommy Mulligan said is "close to the max of his training capacity." Smith, whose last game was Jan. 30, has not skated (though he joked he could if his skates were sharpened), and he admitted he still has occasional "dizziness" and "fogginess" and sometimes after workouts "little black dots get in my vision." But he also said, "We have to remember that I haven't worked out and I haven't been on the ice for five months now. If you, or anyone else, haven't worked out for four or five months and got back in the gym and got their heart rate back up to 175, 180, they probably would feel the same way I am right now, even without a concussion.

 "I'm pushing it pretty good right now. ... I've felt better and progressed every day I've been in the gym, so it's definitely exciting." 

Noted concussion expert Robert C. Cantu of Emerson Hospital in Concord, Mass., acknowledged, while speaking generally, black dots are symptomatic of head trauma and in and of themselves are not more of a red flag than anything else. And Smith said all those conditions are much improved, especially when you consider that soon after he was hurt, he could not even watch a game from the pressbox because the noise and lights were so irritating.

"There's still room for improvement and still a ways to go, but there's still a lot of time left," Smith said. "If a month from now, I feel as good as I do now, with improvement down the road, I'll be back to the Smitty we all know."

That would be good news for Tampa Bay, which would have been in even sorrier shape last season if not for Smith's superb play. 

Concussions are tricky, though, and until we hear that Smith is completely symptom free, it is something of which to keep track, and Smith said he soon will be in Tampa to meet with the Lightning's medical staff for an evaluation. Safe to say that will happen before free agency gets going on July 1. Still, Smith, 27, sounded great, very strong, and said in the past three weeks, following a  workout plan developed by Ottawa trainer Lorne Goldberg, who was recommended by former teammate Gary Roberts, he has been able to raise his heart rate about 50 beats per minute.

"He's definitely progressing," Mulligan said. "I don't think anybody, including himself, has any concerns going forward as far as training camp. Is he 100 percent right now? I'd say no, but he's pretty darn close."

Smith said he usually goes on the ice in mid to late July, though he probably will go on a little earlier this year. Asked if he could skate now if he wanted, Smith said yes, but wants to get on skates in a position of strength.

"I definitely could go for a wheel, but it's not the most important thing right now," he said. "The most important thing is I get in the gym and I'm doing stuff like getting my heart rate up and doing stuff that's going to help me when I get on the ice and not take a step back."

Another help: for the first time, next season, he said he will wear a mouth guard while playing.

Comments

[Mike13]

Flasher, Interesting mock draft results. It seems to be pretty solid on the top 10.

Patrick, I have to disagree that we need a 1A 1B situation. Those are always nice to have if you're talking low cost players. If you're talking 2 $5M players, then its a horrible situation. But I do agree that the Bolts could not afford that situation.

Randy, good points. It is quite a difficult position to be in, that's for sure. I agree that it's probably a no-win situation, unless he goes with Ramo and Kari stuns us all with his vastly improved play. A solid D in front of him would do wonders.

[Don in St. Pete]

Boltflasher, I'm not sure that's ESPN's take but more likely some independent blogger with too much time on his hands. For example, while Ryan O'reilly had arguably the best combine results, his on ice results have been mediocre at best, leading you to believe he may fit into the 3rd or 4th line grinder mode, hence his #55 ranking among North Americans. However this blog has him being picked around 20th which is absurd.

[Boltflasher]

Wondering how the draft might go? ...here's ESPN's fantasy draft...
http://nhldraftsite.com/

[Patrick]

The goaltending situation is going to be unsettled until Smith comes back and plays an entire season healthy. Even if we sign a good #2 free agent goalie, that doesn't mean we know he'll be able to carry a #1's load of games if Smith were to go down. We'd have to sign another #1 and have a 1A and 1B situation. And we probably don't have the money for that with our other needs. Last year showed it's hard to have a good season when your #1 goes down for the year - especially a goalie of Smith's caliber. He was in the top 10 in save percentage most of the time he was playing on the worst team in the league. For god sakes, the only thing PD can even say negative about him is his win percentage in the less that one full season he's played with the lightning. Hard to replace a player like that.

[Joe]

I agree with you Rick. Problem is Helenius needs that playing time in the AHL next year. If you look at the numers Ramo played 26 games and Helenius 25 in the Norfolk last year. Helenius's numbers blew Ramo's away.

I like Ramo but if he is not the back up next year it could be the end of him with the Bolts.

If he is the back up with the Bolts if Smith is healthy all year Ramo still might get 20-25 starts. Dont 4get next season is the Olympics and schedule will be filled with more back to back and 3 games in 4 nights.

Either way going to be interesting what the Bolts do.

[Rick]

Not to sure what to make of our young Ramo. All I know is that he still is not ready for the NHL environment. Sitting on the bench is not going to get him ready any sooner thats for sure and might even prolong his positional skills and overall progress. Something that Nitty can already jump into. Thats a tough gamble to go with Smith and a wing and a prayer that this years version of Ramo has to be better than last years version. Especially when you are looking at the most important position for team success. I would agree if Ramo had showed signs of improving and is ready for the NHL caliber of play but in all honesty I don't see it yet. He is still young and putting him on the bench is not the answer for his future.IMO

[Randy C]

Mike13, Rick,

With the money situation, that $2 to $3 mil might be that D help we need so badly. If Smitty bounces back you have all thay money sitting on the bench. Then with Helenious in Norholk, where is Ramo going to play? We have invested several seasons in Ramo and we have Jung ready to move up. Our system is full of good goalies, what do we have to give up for Nitty? I can hear PD having a ball attacking the decision either way. We will only know 7 months from now which choice was right. I refuse to criticize later if I can not decide now. Lawton can't win this one.

[Rick]

I don't see us over-reacting at all. If Smith has a recurrence and we all know that the 2nd time around takes a lesser hit and a longer recovery time, the bottom line is that Ramo I don't believe is ready to carry the team on a consistent basis. Not having any quality D men in front of either goalie only compounds the problem. Thus the need for a quality backup like Nitty to avoid another disaster like last season. Talking about losing a fan base for a few extra million makes no sense.

[Mike13]

I don't think we're over reacting. Smith hasn't skated since January. Although it is very encouraging to read that he is working out pretty hard.

I hope to goodness he gets better and is able to play. I love his aggression and passion.

I'm just sayin' that there's no way I would sit around hoping my #1 G is ready. Maybe Ramo is poised for a breakout season. But what if he isn't?

If you were GM, would you sit around and hope Smith is ready--and have as your backup plan the hope that your unproven rookie backup is ready for full time NHL duty? Or do you go out and get a bonafide #2 goalie that, based on past performance, is able to carry your team for a good chunk of a season?

Which move sends the right message to your fans?

Yes, it is a tough job and signing a #2 G will hamper our ability to address other areas potentially. But without solid goaltending, it won't matter who the 5 guys are in front of him.

That reminds me, does anyone think there's a chance that Vrbata comes back next year? Or is he done?

[Randy C]

Joe,

I also have to say I think Ramo is poised for a breakout season. This is not a flip flop, just shows how tough OK and co. have it. What if all this Smitty talk is over reaction by us?

[Joe]

I like Nitty as well. Im fine with them signing a more experienced back up then Ramo and would be fine with Nitty. I just think if they do there isnt much point to keeping Ramo in the organization.

And yes it is fun to play GM on here. I like reading all the opinions.

[Randy C]

Joe,

When this offseason is over, and all the moves are done and criticized, I hope all remember how many hurdles were thrown the Bolts way. Those of us who take guesses here and have fun doing it will never comprehend the true difficulty OK has.

After seeing Nitty stone the Bolts here last season, I like him. Since Philly signed Emery we might get a bargain.

[Joe]

I would be fine with them getting Clemenson or Anderson as a back up. But if they do that then they might as well trade Ramo or let him go.

Helenius needs the playing time in Norfolk and Helenius put up better numbers in the AHL then Ramo in same # of games.

IF they do pick up one of those goalies they are gonna have to pay them more then Ramo is going to make so it might hurt them in signing other players.

Just my thoughts.

[Randy C]

I know if I was Brian Lawton, I would tell everyone eactly what my plans were. Thats just me.

[Mike13]

If we wait to see if Smitty is ready for training camp, it will be too late. You can bet that pretty much all of the quality backup netminders will be gone.

This is way too big of a gamble for a team hoping for a bounce back season.

Like I said before, if Lawton decides to sit on his hands and not pick up a quality backup (who could step in to the #1 role if needed), then Koules, Barrie, Lawton, etc are just not serious about turning this team around anytime soon.

[goldenbolt]

Tonight's game - Fed scores twice and the Kid is crossed checked from behind on a breakaway. Osgood almost makes the stop but it just crosses the line for the winna.

Pens in seven.....

Go Feds!

[goldenbolt]

The latest rumor has PD traded to istanbul for a highly rated goalkeeper. He will be ready to step into the impostor's role on the board while blogging from the bench with all the latest trade rumors.
It is understood that before training camp closes marty, vinny, malone and smith have been traded. The #2 pick was sent to detroit to allow Hedman to join Lindstrom and the lightning received the 'D' player they needed. Chris "I'm retired" Chelios in the fold to stabilize the blue line.

Rumor has it Lawton has joined PD in the istanbul market prison. They will share a cell till 2015. I'd love to be a fly on the wall.

Olay.

[Boltflasher]

I'm not sure I agree with Lawton on this one...and PD is right, even if Smitty has recovered, we will be cringing at every shot, hit, or crumple to the ice he has...

[PD]

Hyj, "Lawtongue" is right on and what Mr. Smarmy meant when talking about the goaltending was; no I'm not looking at a UFA goalie , I'll get one back in the V$ deal or the trade #2 pick deal.

Smith's 1st concussion in Dallas was a deflected shot off his mask, but that seldom happens, right?

[Vickie]

Okay so now the question remains. Who is going to be Smitty's backup. McKenna or RAMO. I like them both but i give Karri the edge.

[Spooky]

Smitty, if healthy, is all the number one we need.

It's still a big if, and one good bump to the melon could knock him out for another half-season, or leave him in worse shape. Look at how Crybaby 88's career took a header (pun intended).

So the question is, "Is Ramo up to the task of being a solid #2" especially for a physically shaky #1?

No.

Ramo has great potential to be good one day. I would like to see him get some more seasoning as a starter for the Admirals. Sitting on a bench isn't going to do it. He needs experience. If he has to step up to play a big game, or fill in for weeks and months-well he is just not ready. Neithers Riku, and McKenna, he's probably a career AHLer.

I like Niitymaki, and Conky, both have experience, and know how to play as backups. They don't fight for jobs or challenge the starter, but even if their #1 guy stumbles, they can come in and play, for short periods with narry a drop in performance.

We have to ask, "What if smith isn' ready?" Maybe we should look at a value-priced #1, like the fading Martin Biron. Clemmenson is due a raise, but won't be quite in the range of post-cup Khabibulin. We all knew that Puppa was our best guy, but when his back went, look at all the grief we had until we got Khabbi. If there is any doubt about Smith, let's not make due with journeymen and overwhelmed backups.

[Joe]

Great news. I like Ramo but I think R. Helenius is the future. This will probably Ramo's last year with the Bolts because he's not gonna beat out Smith, and after a full year in the AHL Helenius should be ready to come up and compete with Smith in 2010-2011.

[SmittyFan]

***Smiling from ear to ear***

I have full faith in him being back to "the Smitty we all know." He's a hard worker and determined to be back 100%. And I do feel Ramo can carry the backup load -- I just can't wait for the season to start up again. GO BOLTS!!!

[hyjyljyj]

Best wishes for Mike Smith, he's stood on his head (no pun) for this team, and we all hope he comes through this and can play in the NHL again someday soon.

However...with concussions hope isn't enough. Some people can have 9 of them and keep playing, some guys it's one and done. Which one is Smith? Well, it's months since the injury, and he's still having dizziness and dots, folks! Wheeeee! With puck-drop in just four short months, which will pass in no time. I love to be optimistic, and I'd be moreso if we had a healthy veteran #1 netminder presence in there to try and turn around a cellar-dweller. Instead we'll be crossing our fingers, biting our lips, hoping nothing and no one ever again bumps Smith in the noggin. With the way refs now let players just plow into goalies virtually at will, that doesn't seem very likely

This team above all else needs certainty in net, and Lawtongue just took that FA option away. When you combine that with two consecutive toilet seasons and the looming departure of the franchise player,...they're gonna need a heckuva ticket marketing campaign this summer, that's for sure

[Don in St. Pete]

Mike, yes the beer caused me to lose any semblance of typing expertise. Unfortunately Lawton will probably sit on his butt and leave Ramo as the backup. I don't hate Ramo, in fact I like him but I think he needs more seasoning.

[Randy C]

Mike13,

If we get a Veteran D ufa, return healthy and have the camp I expect, we will still be improved even with Ramo. Don't think we'll be a playoff contender without Smitty though. It is nice to see good news!

[Mike13]

Don, do you mean Not sit on his butt?

[Don in St. Pete]

Mike13, I agree that Lawton should just sit on hid butt and hope Smitty continues to progress. Craig Anderson and Ty Conklin could also be attractive option.

[Mike13]

If Lawton decides not to do something and Smitty isn't ready, the season will be a bust from the start.

Ramo is not ready for full time duty.

The best course of action Lawton could make, IMHO, would be to sign Nittymaki or someone like that with the intention of using him as a backup.

[ISeeCrazyPeople]

Having Smith back in the team and having an entire season of health is a must. Nothing else will matter idf we have to depend on a guy like Ramo between the pipes for 45-50 games.

[RealBoltsFans.com]

As long as he blocks the important 'Black dot' he sees, He should be OK... Get him a good backup goalie though afraid Ramo won't be...

[Casper]

Aren't pipe dreams swell?

I still say (through gritted teeth because I agree with Geografer that goalies shouldn't be rushed) to tell Riku to be ready to go by February. Maybe even December if we don't bring in the ol' Warhorse, Manny Legace.

The players are one facet, but who, just whom is going to instruct/lead them? We have but one guy I trust to help players with their craft; God help us if we ever lose Cap Raeder. Can we surround him with some competent help, please?

Before the Penguins re-group this summer, I'd try to reel in Todd Reirden from their AHL Wilkes-Barre club to help Tocchet and our defense. Please?

Failing that and promoting Rumble to distract from the loss of Lecavalier, this could be a very poxy summer.

If we ever start talking integrity, please bring back Olaf Kolzig as coach either here or (hopefully) at Norfolk.

Go Bolts!

[2WayCenter]

Very encouraging.

[PD]

He should get his mask made by Ironman or else a solid #2 is in order.

[Don in St. Pete]

Best news so far this summer for Bolt Fans!

[ZERO]

Yay. That is all.