Will Matt Walker be the next blue line addition?
The Lightning has called about defenseman Matt Walker, formerly of the Blackhawks, Walker's agent Gerry Johannson said.
"Yeah, they're definitely interested," Johannson said. "I've spoken to them several times."
Walker, 29, is a 6-foot-3, 213-pounder, who had a goal, 14 points and 79 penalty minutes in 65 games last season.
"You never know what the day will bring," Johansson said, adding of the Lightning, "It's a good spot."
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
WOW - Roloson has signed for 2 yrs with Isles. Who is going to stop the puck for Edmonton next year. Habby and Clemmenson just got a big opening.
Posted by: Geografer | July 01, 2009 at 02:24 PM
I have to question them giving so much money to a guy that's only played one full season, though he did look good against the Nucks. I'm guessing he'll be the seventh d and a healthy scratch which is why St. Louis let him walk last year. Maybe he's turned a corner and will continue to improve. We'll see
Posted by: Don in St. Pete | July 01, 2009 at 02:18 PM
JJ says Dreger said we were trying to get Hossa. That would have been a terrible move in my opinion. Hope it's not true.
Posted by: Patrick | July 01, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Id be fine with trading Meszaros or Ranger with the additions theyve made today.
Posted by: Joe | July 01, 2009 at 02:16 PM
TSN says we signed Walker. 4 yrs 6.8 mil
Posted by: Geografer | July 01, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Maybe to announce the FA signings? or he's got some sort of deal working to bring us a goalie via trade?
Posted by: TJ | July 01, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Put scuderi and Walker into the mix.
They are actively trying to nail these guys down.
So the 'D' would be Walker, Ohlund, scuderi, Hedman, Smaby, Mezz and Ranger. wow bye bye Lundin, Koci, Murph, Kraciek unless they sign for the minors in a possible call back.
I suspect if they sign Walker and Scuderi either Mezz or Ranger would be gone in a trade. Interesting - This is being aggressive at the blue line. All these players fit the mold of a Tochet led team. Tough as nails, hard to play against and will protect their teamates. The front of the net will be an ambulance center. Call the paramedics better start having them at the forum - during warmups.
Let's get the goalie and then I'll really be excited. Anderson, Conklin or Clemmenson would do the trick.
Mike
Posted by: goldenbolt | July 01, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Anyone else just see the Tweet from Lightning? Lawton to address media today at 4pm.
Wonder what's up???
Posted by: Geografer | July 01, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Reported deal to be 2 yrs, 1.3 per.
Posted by: TJ | July 01, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Conklin gone - to the Blues - 2 yr contract.
Come on OK - Clemmenson or Boucher!!
Posted by: Geografer | July 01, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Conklin has signed with Blues, I think. He's off the market too.
Posted by: TJ | July 01, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Okay - Anderson is gone to the Avs. Where is the goalie. We need D but we need a goalie more. Clemmenson or Conklin or Boucher still there.
Posted by: Geografer | July 01, 2009 at 02:08 PM
TSN reporting done deal for Walker. 4 yrs, about 1.7/per yr. (don't hold me to those numbers though).
Posted by: TJ | July 01, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Bring him in!!! Who says the Bolts dont need more grit from the blue-line? Did you watch games last season? Id rather have Walker than Ranger or Krajicek. With Ranger due 1.1 mil and Krajicek due a raise the Bolts would be saving money and improving the defense. A no brain-er imo......
Posted by: matt | July 01, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Our defense could certainly use more grit and we could probably get rid of Koci at that point, I think he'd be a good fit. I believe Walker can play forward as well.
Posted by: Steve | July 01, 2009 at 01:44 PM
I think we should see what we can get for Lundin. He's too small to be effective on the back end.
Posted by: mike p | July 01, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Jim-NJ---I think the Braves may be willing to give up a couple of starting pitchers for him, but only if he can bat rightie and play one of the corner outfield positions...
Posted by: TJ | July 01, 2009 at 01:37 PM
I can't see this happening unless Lawton has a trade on the table to ship out a couple defensemen. Or we don't resign Krajicek and Lundin.
Posted by: Don in St. Pete | July 01, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Rumor from the wild was that they put a bid for vinny4 also but was told by Tampa he is 100% staying. Another one out of left field. Who's up next? The Baltimore Orioles trading their next 10 first rounders for vinny?
Posted by: Jim - NJ | July 01, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Yeah with Walker it's getting a bit too crowded back there. Unless its a 2-way deal, or Smaby's new deal is a 2-way.
Posted by: Eric | July 01, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Now, this is a free agent I can get behind. Looks to be a good defensive signing if we can sang him.
Posted by: BrianB23 | July 01, 2009 at 01:28 PM
No, Cory Murphy should be the next Dman signed. Walker is a waste. This is not fantasy hockey. We tried that already. U need team players. Walker is a goon n we have enough grit back there with Ohlund and hedman and Meszaros. U need more skilled players!!!!
Posted by: Jim - NJ | July 01, 2009 at 01:27 PM
No, Cory Murphy should be the next Dman signed. Walker is a waste. This is not fantasy hockey. We tried that already. U need team players. Walker is a goon n we have enough grit back there with Ohlund and hedman and Meszaros. U need more skilled players!!!!
Posted by: Jim - NJ | July 01, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Did you see his bent finger in the playoffs?
Posted by: Boltflasher | July 01, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Injuries...he blocks shots...
Posted by: Boltflasher | July 01, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Wow! Ohlund and Walker on the same day?!! Holy S...
Posted by: Boltflasher | July 01, 2009 at 01:22 PM
He was also +7.
So why does he only play 60 games a year on average? Injury problems? Healthy scratch?
Posted by: Mike13 | July 01, 2009 at 01:21 PM