Will next moves for Tampa Bay Lightning be trades?

It may not happen right away, but it looks more and more as if the Tampa Bay Lightning will use trades to acquire a backup goalie and, perhaps, another wing, ideally one who has the potential to score 20 goals. But the backup goalie is the priority as I'm sure no one wants to go into the season with Riku Helenius behind Mike Smith. Nothing against Helenius. He may turn out to be a great pro. He's just not ready yet.

So, why did the Lightning not sign a backup goalie on the first day of free agency? If you check the signings, you don't see one-year contracts for netminders. Andif you believe Karri Ramo will be back after next season (as his two-year contract stipulates he can be),  Tampa Bay perhaps wants a guy it can keeparound for one year until Ramo gets back.

It's better for the bottom line, too, to unload some players before taking on more payroll.

It's not hard to figure out the Lightning has a lot of defensemen, which means it has some pieces with which to play. The Lightning will not get rid of its most attractive players but it would have to deal someone from that group who has appeal around the league. Is Lukas Krajicek a possibility? He is signed for about $1.5 million for next season, and while he adds experience, he was not as gritty a player as coach Rick Tocchet likes. 

As for forwards, that's a little trickier, though it seems the team has some depth at center with players such as Ryan Craig, Paul Szczechura and even Zenon Konopka, who has a one-waycontract next season (as does wing Brandon Bochenski, by the way). Add Vinny Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos and Jeff Halpern, and, well, you have some depth from which to deal.

Lecavalier and Stamkos aren't going anywhere (especially for a backup goalie or wing), Craig and his creaky knees might be tough to move, Szczechura has a friendly contract and the instincts to be an NHL player, thoughhe has to score more to complement his sturdy defense. Halpern could be intriguing. He is set to make $2 million next season and has the experience and track record that could make him attractive. Of course, he could be an attractive third-line option for Tampa Bay, too, and we've seen what he can do when he is healthy. I'm just throwing his name out there because of his contract and because, well, you usually have to give something to get something in a trade.

By no means am I predicting anything. Just trying to consider the options. We'll see.  

Comments

[hyjyljyj]

Yeah,...your backup goalie...for the most coveted player on earth, a world-class superstar in his prime. Sounds fair to me--what's the holdup?

IYAM that offer embodies the characteristic "deep-south hockey" sophistication that we here in Tampa Bay are so often and so unjustly accused of

[Boltflasher]

Pretty funny thinking that they would get World class stars, either Vinny or MSL in a deal for their #2 goalie...Prospal, maybe, more likely Krajicek and Vrbata

[Casper]

I just lurked on the Predators Blog and those forward starved, delusional mushrooms think Ellis for St. Louis and Prospal is a good deal. Very humorous.

I laughed until I nearly blacked out when another onionhead suggested Ellis, Erat, and a 3rd rounder for Lecavalier.

Oh well, that’s hockey in Tennessee. At least the part about them being interested in V20 is nice. Never happen, but it was nice to hear.

Go Bolts!

[Casper]

Well fine. I prefer we keep Adam Hall. If they take scrubs and scraps like the guys we got from Boston, then Recchi would have helped us get some help in net. Even if they take Lashoff and Craig you’ll all laugh your hind ends off watching me dance. If they take Krajicek, call the paramedics!

You don't suppose they'd throw in a bum like Shea Weber do you's? (Wink, wink, LOL)

Flash, Nash is in Ohio, I get the Preds and Jackets mixed up too. For a second I thought, “What about Norrena as Rinne’s backup?” Ooops, wrong club.

Sure we’ll take Dan Ellis over other nightmares at this point. Let Flaky Manny Fernandez land in Music City.

A.B.H.: Anywhere but here.

I still want Jason Williams dad gummit!

Go Bolts!

[Boltflasher]

Tellqvist is not cheap...but that could change as the GMs wait out some of these guys...

[Don in St. Pete]

Macintyre was signed by the Thrash. I'm guessing they could sign Tellqvist or somebody else cheap. They need the players.

[Boltflasher]

Didn't Hall already have a stop in Nashville? ...Ellis did not play all that well last year and lost his job to Pekka Rinne, but if they were to trade Ellis, who would be Rinne's backup?...Drew MacIntyre? not sure how interested Nash would be in this...

[Don in St. Pete]

Casper, The Preds lost a couple D to UFA but I think they're looking to fill 1 spot from the farm and need a veteran in case the kids not ready to step into a major role. Please, just don't let it be Smaby. I think Krajicek is more likely though Lundin and Lashoff with the low salary's could be attractive too. They'll likely want a checking line forward, a center I would image, maybe Craig or Adam Hall?

[Casper]

Dan Ellis? Here? Seriously? Great, and for whom? Ranger and Mihalik is one guess from the peanut gallery? Lundin and Krajicek would be better (although I'd prefer to see Lundin REPLACE Ranger here). DO IT MAN, JUST DO IT! (Wishart stays, dumbbell!)

The weird part would be Ellis and Smith facing off for the #1 job here after they snarled for the #2 in Dallas a few years back. Smitty won by default as the Preds scooped up the young Ellis and I thought they were happy with him. What happened? Hopefully nothing Cap Raeder cannot fix.

Sh** yeah, bring him on; Smith has 2 melon strikes against him, how many does Ellis have? What a Bolt out of the blue…

If Mike Smith winds up as the #2 he won’t be too happy…

Go Bolts!

[PD]

Hyj it's not progressive at all more career suicide unless, as some one mentioned, he wants out.

[Mike13]

Hey Don & Max, I just read the same thing about Ellis on Jon Jordan's blog and that Tampa may be sending a defenseman or 2 the other way.

Then, I got a sinking feeling. What if Nashville is looking for someone like Ranger in the deal. Would the Bolts really deal one of our top 5 D-men for a backup goalie? Perhaps. I hope not, but perhaps.

[Mike13]

Flasher, I was making an assumption about the Monster. I had no idea he wanted to earn a spot. That sounds a bit encouraging.

[hyjyljyj]

"Hij , have to typecast you as a conservative tightwad after the Smaybe comments."

Nope, solidly progressive since I'm 100% for progress. Surprising to most wearing the label will be that, IMHO, progress only results from good ol' hard work and fiscal responsibility. How progressive is it, really, to drag your team through arbitration when you have such a difficult time cracking the lineup on a regular basis? (BTW when I put half a million I thought he was getting 525k and not 825k. My error.) I don't suggest a pay cut for Smabes, because he DOES work hard and IS speedily improving; but this arbitration crap is unseemly from a person who is essentially a rookie player. Come back when you're doing more than playing in 57 games over two seasons with a -17.

"And I'm sure you would not give him panking either?"

Everyone who works at the place should get to pank for free. My baby does the hanking; I do the panking.

"I like Smaybe but his time should be now and nightly. What is he worth? Only the market knows and so far the Bolts number rules. Odd that another team hasn't made a bid for around $875,000."

yup

[hyjyljyj]

"Hij , have to typecast you as a conservative tightwad after the Smaybe comments."

Nope, solidly progressive since I'm 100% for progress. Surprising to most wearing the label will be that, IMHO, progress only results from good ol' hard work and fiscal responsibility. How progressive is it, really, to drag your team through arbitration when you have such a difficult time cracking the lineup on a regular basis? (BTW when I put half a million I thought he was getting 525k and not 825k. My error.) I don't suggest a pay cut for Smabes, because he DOES work hard and IS speedily improving; but this arbitration crap is unseemly from a person who is essentially a rookie player. Come back when you're doing more than playing in 57 games over two seasons with a -17.

"And I'm sure you would not give him panking either?"

Everyone who works at the place should get to pank for free. My baby does the hanking; I do the panking.

"I like Smaybe but his time should be now and nightly. What is he worth? Only the market knows and so far the Bolts number rules. Odd that another team hasn't made a bid for around $875,000."

yup

[Boltflasher]

Agree, Beauchemin signing was a good one by Toronto, but, really, who on this site cares?

[Boltflasher]

From what I've been reading, Gustavsson does NOT want to be a #1 and face that pressure right away but instead wants to work his way into that. That's also why he may not choose Toronto because he does not want that pressure of playing there...

The scouting is that he's much better than Holmqvist for whomever keeps bringing that up...

[Mike13]

I'm sure that Gustavsson is looking for a full time gig. Not a backup role. Unless there's something we aren't being told about Smitty, I can't see him signing here.

There are a number of UFA goalies out there that would be great backups that also have demonstrated ability to carry a team while the starter either struggled or was injured.

Maybe Lawton is just throwing out a smoke-screen and is just trying to be patient and watch the market bottom out.

As for Vasily Koshechkin, as far as I know, he's still playing for HC Lada Togliatti (KHL). http://www.boltprospects.com/vasily-koshechkin
http://www.hclada.ru/db/?player=318

They don't have their 2009-10 rosters up yet.

[Max Hunter]

I'd LOVE to see Ellis come this way - it'd really shore up the back up, and it's proven that he can hold down #1 in case Smitty needs more time. Ellis would be PERFECT!

[PD]

sorry 2 way ..went into a fog for a moment.

Since you mention your article, schenn and komosarich will be a rather good PK team along with a healthy Toskala.

[PD]

I think thats the plan Gus although Leafs did finish in the top 10 offensive teams (10th).

[2WayCenter]

Posting content where it belongs is a beautiful thing. In case you are lost -

http://bitterleaf.blogspot.com/

[gus georgiou]

PD- Hope Burke makes a trade soon with some of those extra D-Men or they better score a lot of goals for Leafs as their other parts of team scoring looks pretty thin!!

[PD]

Yet another great Burke signing today ,Francois Beauchemin on a 3 year deal.
Lets see: Kaberle,Schenn, Axelby, Komisarick, Beauchemein..that's a serious tough D.
They still own Van Ryn, Strahlman, Ian White, Jeff Finger and James frogren.

Depth on D is a beautiful thing.

[gus georgiou]

If they can get their hands on Harding, he is the better goalie available as a RFA then the other guys you are mentioning here. The one guy Gustafvson is the unknown factor and I don't know much about him as a possibility other than 3 or 4 other teams are hot to sign him. I think Minny doesn't want to lose Harding, but don't know if they are willing to match an offer from Tampa since Backstrom is their boy now. Even losing a draft choice to get him would be worth it since Smith is such a crap shoot now. I don't think you would lose anything playing Harding vs. Smith!

[olin]

....Casper, thanks for the acknowlegment about Koshechkin, also have another couple Russian names the Bolt's wasted pick's on and never been across I believe- Alexander Polushin, and Anton But, both supposedly to help said Feaster....I'd love to see them win Gustavsson(more Swedes the better for me)but would rather had them keep Johan despite his bad high glove side some said...he liked it here, and now with big matty and Victor back to help, he'd have been a good one. Maybe next season for him, eh OK.
Legace would be a help as the steady Johan "the Moose" would be...

[olin]

....Casper, thanks for the acknowlegment about Koshechkin, also have another couple Russian names the Bolt's wasted pick's on and never been across I believe- Alexander Polushin, and Anton But, both supposedly to help said Feaster....I'd love to see them win Gustavsson(more Swedes the better for me)but would rather had them keep Johan despite his bad high glove side some said...he liked it here, and now with big matty and Victor back to help, he'd have been a good one. Maybe next season for him, eh OK.
Legace would be a help as the steady Johan "the Moose" would be...

[Don in St. Pete]

Paul McCann the Pred's blogger on hockeybuzz.com, claims they are discussing moving Dan Ellis to Tampa, but no mention of who goes back the other way. They could probably use a defenseman as they lost Zanon and will probably lose Koistenen. Sounds like a good place for Krajicek.

[Casper]

Interesting list, Mike. The name that shot out at me was Dan Ellis, and a big ‘no way’ there. He’s a stud and actually beat out Mike Smith when they were up-and-comers behind Turco. His talent got him out of the nest first and I don’t see the Preds dishing him off when they can be patient (maddenly patient) with Rinne. Is Rinne ready? They didn’t manage to keep hockey in Tennessee by being stooooped. If there is a momentary lapse, I hope we’re there.

Lalime was unconscious in Ottawa and I feel will never be that same wall again. Inconsistency will keep him in his perfect place behind Miller.

Leighton strikes me as a priss that needs much help from his defense. We need it the other way around. A pirate who helps his D and steals games. (That was Mikey!)

That leaves me liking Hedberg or Auld. Not a lot of consistency there either. But as you say, we only need a one year Band Aid stretched across the pipes.

Forget MonsterBoy; as I posted on Cox’ blog, we’ve seen enough mysterious, over-rated European goalies. I would sooner give Holmer another shot behind this crewe.

Speaking of mysterious monsters, nobody answered Olin the other day, whatever happened to that 6’6” 240lb (or 6’7” 231…) monster from Russia, Vasili Koshechkin? The kid keeps ringing up gaudy numbers, when is he going to put his skills to the REAL test?

Get Manny. Legace, that is.

Here’s a nice site when life gets too exciting:
http://hockeygoalies.org/
Check the bios.

Go Bolts!

[Don in St. Pete]

With many players getting no nibbles at all, I have to believe that some of the UFA might be willing to sign a contract for a single season. Manny Legace has some kind of issue in St. Louis last year but played stellar for their AHL club down the stretch. Martin Gerber is another tender that would probably consider a 1 year contract. Yann Danis also could be worth a shot. I still think they're trying to get Gustavsson, so they won't make another move until he decides.

[Boltflasher]

Good commentary on the plight of many FA's...
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Matthew-Barry/Panic-Time-For-Unsigned-NHL-Players/125/21989

Anybody know or guess what's up with Yann Danis?...

[Mike13]

Rask, Tuukka (BOS): 23, 2010 cap 3.200M sal 0.850M

Ward, Cam (CAR): 26, 2.667M, 3.500M - no way CAR let's Wardo go...

Price, Carey (MTL): 22, 2.200M, 0.850M - yeah right

Pavelec, Ondrej (ATL): 22, 1.433M, 0.850M - can't see it happening

Neuvirth, Michal (WAS): 22, 0.850M, 0.850M - again, no way

Fallon, Joseph (CHI): 25, 0.775M, 0.780M - don't know him

Halak, Jaroslav (MTL): 25, 0.775M, 0.800M - no way

Quick, Jonathan (LAK): 26, 0.770M, 0.570M - no way

Montoya, Al (PHX): 25, 0.725M, 0.750M - maybe

Drouin-Deslauriers, Jeff (EDM): 26, 0.625M, 0.700M - no way

Khudobin, Anton (MIN): 24, 0.587M, 0.600M - don't know him

[Mike13]

So, in my mind, that leaves us with Ellis (NAS), Hedberg (ATL), Auld (OTT), Lalime (BUF), or Leighton (CAR). These are the trade targets as far as I can guess.

NAS might not want to move Ellis yet, as they don't have another goalie under contract beyond him and Rinne.

ATL has to get Lehtonen under contract before they start dealing. They also have Pavelec - to be Kari's b/u if they deal Hedberg.

Similar situation in OTT. I think that they need to get Elliot under contract before they consider dealing Auld. Even if they do, I'm not sure it would be wise for them to rely on Elliot and Leclaire.

I could see BUF sending Lalime our way, but he wouldn't be too cheap to get in a trade.

Leighton is Ward's backup in CAR and they have no one else under contract.

So.....I think Lawton is really stretching his imagination if he thinks that going the trade route is the best way for the Bolts right now. He doesn't want to pick up someone from Free Agency because they 'all' want 2+ years on their deals. I somehow find this hard to believe, but okay. If that's the case, then he's only interested in folks with 1 year deals. I've already posted the list of UFA's and my thoughts on them. I'll go get the list of RFA's...

[PD]

Hij , have to typecast you as a conservative tightwad after the Smaybe comments.
And I'm sure you would not give him panking either?
I like Smaybe but his time should be now and nightly.

What is he worth? Only the market knows and so far the Bolts number rules.
Odd that another team hasn't made a bid for around $875,000. Dont lose much in picks at that level.

[Mike13]

I can't imagine why Smaby would take the Bolts to arbitration. He made $0.825M last year. They had to offer him at least $0.908M to qualify him.

Ranger makes $1.100M.

Does Smaby really think he deserves to make as much as Ranger? Seriously? I can't imagine that he taking them to arbitration because of 100K or so.
----------

As for goalies with 1 year left on their deals before UFA status (since the Bolts apparently don't want someone beyond a year), here's the list, along with their age, cap hit, salary & my comments:

Luongo, Roberto: 31, cap 6.75M, sal 7.5M, no way VAN loses this guy
Turco, Marty: 34, 5.7M, 5.4M, too expensive
Nabokov, Evgeni: 34, 5.375M, 6M, too expensive
Theodore, Jose: 33, 4.5M, 4.5M, no thanks & too expensive
Toskala, Vesa: 33, 4M, 4M, too expensive
Mason, Chris: 34, 3M, 3M, too expensive
Ellis, Dan: 30, 1.75M, 2M, a real possibility - NAS doesn't need him & Rinne
Hiller, Jonas: 28, 1.3M, 1.3M, no way ANA loses this guy
Hedberg, Johan: 37, 1.087M, 1.175M, another possiblity (esp since he used to play for PIT)
Auld, Alex: 29, 1M, 1M, not sure if OTT would let him go, but maybe
Lalime, Patrick: 35, 1M, 1M, again, not sure if BUF would let him go, but maybe
Valiquette, Stephen: 32, 0.725M, 0.725M, keep dreamin'
Leighton, Michael: 29, 0.6M, 0.6M, another maybe
Rinne, Pekka: 27, 0.725M, 0.725M, no way

[Mike13]

I can't imagine why Smaby would take the Bolts to arbitration. He made $0.825M last year. They had to offer him at least $0.908M to qualify him.

Ranger makes $1.100M.

Does Smaby really think he deserves to make as much as Ranger? Seriously? I can't imagine that he taking them to arbitration because of 100K or so.
----------

As for goalies with 1 year left on their deals before UFA status (since the Bolts apparently don't want someone beyond a year), here's the list, along with their age, cap hit, salary & my comments:

Luongo, Roberto: 31, cap 6.75M, sal 7.5M, no way VAN loses this guy
Turco, Marty: 34, 5.7M, 5.4M, too expensive
Nabokov, Evgeni: 34, 5.375M, 6M, too expensive
Theodore, Jose: 33, 4.5M, 4.5M, no thanks & too expensive
Toskala, Vesa: 33, 4M, 4M, too expensive
Mason, Chris: 34, 3M, 3M, too expensive
Ellis, Dan: 30, 1.75M, 2M, a real possibility - NAS doesn't need him & Rinne
Hiller, Jonas: 28, 1.3M, 1.3M, no way ANA loses this guy
Hedberg, Johan: 37, 1.087M, 1.175M, another possiblity (esp since he used to play for PIT)
Auld, Alex: 29, 1M, 1M, not sure if OTT would let him go, but maybe
Lalime, Patrick: 35, 1M, 1M, again, not sure if BUF would let him go, but maybe
Valiquette, Stephen: 32, 0.725M, 0.725M, keep dreamin'
Leighton, Michael: 29, 0.6M, 0.6M, another maybe
Rinne, Pekka: 27, 0.725M, 0.725M, no way

[2WayCenter]

I like Smaby, but I do not think we had a lot to compare him to last year. And it is obvious from the Eminger trade that OK is negotiating with hard noses when it comes to marginal players.

Having said that I hope the deal gets done and we can see Matt mature while playing fewer minutes.

[Don in St. Pete]

hy, I'm not sure you were watching the same Matt Smaby I saw last season. He was arguably our best defensemen in the second half. We also have Mez and Rags coming off shoulder surgery, which makes it even more imperative you get Smaby signed. He made $825,000. last year so a half a mil will not get it done. I'm sure they probably wanted him to give up a year of his UFA status to sign a 3 year deal. I'll bet they're only a couple hundred K apart. I feel they should and will get it done before arbitration.

[Steve-O]

G-Bolt--Not sure i agree with the nonchalant attitude comment. We had a great first day in FA. We are supposedly searching for the goalie and the D-coach is a Tocchet job to find. If we are indeed in the "monster" sweeps the team is anything but non chalant.

Hopefully the Smaby issue gets resolved readily and we go into camp as complete as possible.

[hyjyljyj]

"Smaby does not have a strong case to win an arbitration hearing. He will resign at his tendered offer. They will not let him walk."

I agree, and I fail to see what Smaby thinks he stands to gain with this exercise, unless he's hoping for an exit from Tampa Bay. He played in roughly half our games last season. Shouldn't you be a regularly contributing player before you drag the team through this process? He's a tough player, big, solid and an explosive hitter with a mean streak; however, he has contributed little of note in the NHL as yet and ought to know that already. Half a million bucks ought to be enough for now. If he continues to work hard, maybe he can find a way to crack the roster of the league's 2nd-worst team a little more often this season. Then come to me asking for more money.

[goldenbolt]

Arbitration is a two way street. However, the ploy works to the players advantage even if he loses the arbitration ruling. The deals are for 1 year only and in most cases he becomes an unrestricted free agent the next year. I do not know the particulars with Smaby time in service but that could be his ultimate ploy with his agent. Who is the agent for Smaby? Does anyone know?

I have been screaming about this since the beginning of the off season. Sign Smaby, get a real #1 defender and hire a coach for the defensive side of the team and probably most important since Ramo left we need another goalie. Desperation will set in when Smitty can't go. So far we have one done and there is no excuse for the coach, goalie and the nonchalant attitude from the owners on these problems.

We are what a couple days from prospect camp and who is going to handle the 'D'? Oren, Len ---- maybe Mattias can handle that task too!

Yo Chic good to see you back in the saddle of the workouts. Must feel good. Yes, I do agree we are leap years better than last but the results could be only at the margins.

If the 'D' does play to expectations with the three additional players and modest improvement from Mezz, Ranger, Kracky and Smaby (I hope) the 'O' can and will become much more aggressive and the results will show in the standings.

There's the novel for today. comments welcome!

Goldenbolt

[Don in St. Pete]

While Smaby doesn't have a great case, he does have a case. He averaged 2 & 1/2 times more hits per game than Krajicek and 1 & 1/2 times more blocked shots per game. He played through a tough injury and played the shutdown role during the second half of the season. On the flip side he was -12 and had only 4 points. I think they continue to negotiate and get a deal done before arbitration.

[Hockey Chic]

Morning Peeps,

Can we tell it is the start of my season as I am up working out again and trying to get ready for my season to keep the evil Camish off my back. lol

Anywho I think in all the time I have seen guys elect to go to arb there was only one or two that recevied more than a qualifying offer. It was either during or the year after the cup win and one or two of our guys took it to arb. Only one of them won as I remember it.

I think if anything the thing that Smaby could use was that he was called up so many times. Of course on the other hand the bolts could use that they did not keep him here.

The guy is huge and if he really worked at it and took it seriously I think he could be someone to reckon with. I think that message board goes both ways peeps. Maybe the Bolts were trying to tell him that and he is not listening.

As to whether we are going to better or not this year I think the answer is hands down. Please we set a record last year for the number of defensemen we called up in the NHL fellas. The NHL.

So I really feel like the addition of the new D, the committment to an off season work out program, training camp, and hopefully a system in place and dare I say a real head coach with Toch at the helm, I am feeling pretty stoked for another year.

Hopefully it does not resemble last year at all.

Go Bolts.

[Boltflasher]

From hockeybuzz: Steve Zipay in his blog gives a good explanation as the process leading up to and including arbitration and what is included within the hearing:

Here's how it works. A player and team can continue to negotiate until the date of a hearing, scheduled between July 20 and Aug. 4. If there's no agreement, the player and team each propose a salary for the upcoming season and argue their cases at a hearing. A third- party arbitrator weighs the arguments and sets the player's salary. Within 48 hours, the team can decline the salary, and the player becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Among the evidence that can be presented: Statistics in all previous seasons; injuries, illnesses and the number of games played, length of service with the team and in the NHL, the player's "overall contribution" to the team's success or failure, the player's "special qualities of leadership or public appeal". Salaries and performance can be compared to other players, but not an unrestricted free agent who signed a contract. The team's finances and the cap situation are not permitted as evidence.

[McGz]

Smaby does not have a strong case to win an arbitration hearing. He will resign at his tendered offer. They will not let him walk.

[Randy C]

Not sure I understand how arbitration is letting someone get away.

[Boltflasher]

Smaby has the potential to be a shutdown top 6 but he's nowhere near that yet...he's never been a "plus" in in plus/minus stats during his professional career at Springfield, Norfolk or TB. He's big but needs to work on coordination and skating...

[Don in St. Pete]

I can't believe they let him walk, and they have a pretty good case as his plus/minus has been all negative. On the other hand he was 4th in the league in hits per game last year and in the top 20 in shots blocked per game. He's the natural partner and perfect complement to Hedman on our first pairing in a year or two. What shook me up was during our meeting with Koules they complimeted him on playing with a broken foot and defending his teammates and then Oren said they saw him as a #6 or #7 defenseman. That's why we need Lawton and the scouts doing the evaluating and Barrie and Koules bringing in prospective investors. GO BOLTS!

[Jim - NJ]

We took care of krajicek over Murphy and smaby. Losing credability already Lawton, these are the decisions you Cant afford not to take advantage of!

[Jim - NJ]

Don - yes st Louis should be the captain. Hands down. If he's not given the C on the sweater, he'll have it in the locker room. Vinny, I think, tries to be the captain, I just don't see it in his personality. An A, sure, not the C

Randy: were all going on reported news of these injuries. My point is is that u don't see a lot of injuries when things go well. It's after things fall apart is when u see players drop. Either they're BS-ing, no motivation to stretch before games, or the brass's way of tanking games. But when ur ready to compete, players stay ready to keep competing. Human nature I guess

[Boltflasher]

Smaby was offered a qualifying offer, he chose to go to arbitration...every player's right...doesn't mean he or the club will let him "walk"...we'll see.