Lightning castoff Radim Vrbata traded to the Coyotes for Todd Fedoruk and David Hale

The Lightning was able to rid itself of $6 million in payroll the next two seasons by trading disappointing right wing Radim Vrbata to the Coyotes, the team he left to sign with the Lightning as a free agent. The Lightning got left wing Todd Fedoruk and defenseman David Hale in return.

Vrbata was signed to a three-year, $9 million free-agent contract last summer, but returned to the Czech Republic because, in great part,of his wife's difficult pregnancy. Vrbata left after scoring just three goals in 18 games for the Lightning. Vrbata did not draw a salary from Tampa Bay while he was playing in the Czech Republic, but he was still Lightning property and the team was responsible for the final two years of his contract.

GM Brian Lawton, though, had said Vrbata did not fit into the Lightning's plans for next season and said Vrbata's agent Rich Evans could try to find Vrbata another NHL team with which to play. How much Evans had to do with getting Vrbata back to Phoenix was not immediately clear. Had Vrbata not been moved, he likely would have played next season for AHL Norfolk, drawing his $3 million salary.

Comments

[Don in St. Pete]

Boltflasher, I will second that. I think Fedoruk stays and we likely go with team toughness in place of an enforcer this year. Strange that the Bolts haven't signed Lashoff, Lundin or Karsums yet. If all our RFA's sign, I count 15 forwards and 10 defensemen. I hope they can deal some of the extras so the kids get a decent look in training camp. It's entirely possible that Lashoff and Lundin got 2 way offers, as did Smaby who chose to file for Arbitration. Karsums could be under a 2 way deal as well. How long do the players have to accept the offer or choose to play overseas?

[Boltflasher]

I look forward to Fedoruk pounding some Leaf butt...

[BrianB23]

hmm... according to coyotes.nhl.com, Fedoruk played 72 games and only put up 6-7-13 and was a -9. But at 6' 2" 240 lbs, I'm guessing he's a fourth line big man.

David Hale played 48 games, scored 3-6-9 and was a -11... but he's also a big guy. Not really sure what this does for the team, but I suppose it adds depth to Norfolk.

[mike p]

Very nice to unload Vrbata. We just acquired another Dman on an NHL contract. Something's gotta give? Who's it going to be?

[Patrick]

I am thrilled they were able to trade Vrbata away. If it was for guys with minor league contracts, that frees up 3 mil that could be put toward Tanguay. Even if they don't sign Tanguay, not spending 3 mil Vrbata is a win.

[Marosh]

ANOTHER great move, that luggage was too heavy a stinky,

[Don in St. Pete]

DC said 2 players in return, hopefully decent forward prospects to help restock Norfolk. This could be the clincher for signing a top 6 winger if they've indeed traded Vrbata for prospects and not NHL salaried players. The 3 mil in cap will help.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

If we got a bag of pucks and roll of tape it was a plus!

[BrianB23]

What did we get in return?!? You said trade??

[ZERO]

Well...that's another thing off the to-do list.