Lightning re-signs Lukas Krajicek

The Lightning has re-signed defenseman Lukas Krajicek to a one-year deal.

Krajicek, a 6-foot-2, 196-pound native of Prostejov, Czech Republic, had two goals and 19 points in in 71 games with the Lightning last season. He led all Tampa Bay defensemen in assists and points while also ranking second in blocked shots with 90.

“Lukas is one of the elite skating defensemen in the NHL and he played admirably for us last season in a difficult blueline situation,” Lightning GM Brian Lawton said in a news release. “We are pleased to sign him for the 2009-10 season and we look forward to seeing for training camp.”

Comments

[Eric]

I think another year in Norfolk for guys like Smaby, Lashoff, and Lundin won't hurt. They will make for sufficient depth in the event call-ups are needed.

Plus, if Ranger gets to be an UFA anytime in the next 2-3 years, kiss him goodbye because he will likely be too expensive. So continuing to develop some of the relatively young guys isn't a terrible idea.

Kraijeck will be fine as a 5th d-man. When he has to play like a #1 or #2 like last season, thats the problem.

[jhkyref]

TSN Reports Koci gone to Colorado 525K

[mike p]

Jim - NJ,
One of the biggest reasons why we won the cup back in 04 was because of our ability to block shots. If anything, it is an extremely UNDERRATED stat.

[Patrick]

Guys,

There's a very simple reason why Krajicek lead our blue line in blocked shots - He was the only one who didn't get injured or traded last season. He actually played in 71 games. I think Mez was second with 52. I hope very much he is part of a trade.

Someone said he's much better defensively than murphy? I dispute that. Krajicek was a -8 while Murphy was a -3 and he averaged more minutes. And he's definitely better offensively. That's my problem with Krajicek, he's a finesse defensiveman who doesn't contribute much offensively or in transition.

BrianB23,

Lol, well said.

Jim - NJ,

Blocking shots is definitely important, but in spite of that, Krajicek still sucks.

[Jim - NJ]

Don- My rebuttal: and how smart was blocking all those shots? Lost seasons to injuries. I know I'm scraping here, but maybe blocked shots shouldn't be a well thought of stat sometimes, one of those where quality is better than quantity.

[Don in St. Pete]

Jim, Bolts top 3 last season in block shots per game, from NHL.com

Mez 1.9
Lundin 1.72
Smaby 1.59

[Jim - NJ]

Where do u find the blocked shots stats for the roster?

I think we all know why I want that, and what we'll find if we did a blocked shots per game contest. Guess who wins!

Krajicek needs to be a part of a trade, but I don't know who would take him seeing as he was just an FA and anyone could have him for free.

It's obvious OK wants to see nothing but 6-3, 230lb goons on the blueline. Very creative thinking! I'm sure it's never been tried before. It can't possibly fail!

[Don in St. Pete]

Mike13, He lead in blocked shots because he was scurrying out from in front of the net where those big bad boys were beating on him. I'm guessing Lawton has a trade on the table for some of our other defensemen. I hope it's not Matt Smaby. Or perhaps they want Lashoff and Lundin to play a year at Norfolf, which makes this signing more agreeable.

Ohlund
Hedman Rookie
Mezsaros
Ranger
Krajicek
Walker
Smaby RFA
Lashoff RFA
Lundin RFA

[Mike13]

I like Murph too, but Jim, I do think you like him THAT much....

Krajicek an elite skating defenseman? Um, no. It is interesting though, that he led the team in blocked shots. That's cool.

[Jim - NJ]

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?

ARE YOU SERIOUS? I MEAN, I DUNNO, whatever. ELITE?!?

Anyway, as I've made EVERYONE in the Bay area aware, Murphy should've been the 1st one signed. I'm not the only one that agrees, check out this thread if you get a chance.

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=597460&page=4

I would post there, but even I don't like Murphy THAT much (unless we sign him!)

[BrianB23]

well whoopdy-fricken-doo.