ST. PETERSBURG TIMES: Damian Cristodero reports Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster is facing a busy summer in the wake of his club's impressive performance this past season. He has several restricted free agents to re-sign ( Fredrik Modin and Andre Roy, goaltender John Grahame, center Brad Richards and defenseman Dan Boyle), as well as potential UFAs (Dave Andreychuk,Tim Taylor). Andreychuk, who finished his 21st career season, is expected to mull over retirement plans prior to July 1st. Feaster must also get forward Vaclav Prospal to sign a new deal. Prospal, who had a career year this season, is a Group V free agent, as he earned less than the league average. He's stated he'd like to remain in Tampa Bay, but it's believed he'll be seeking a hefty raise.
Feaster must also address some key areas in his roster. He'd like to add more grit to his roster, bring in a "bruising" stay-at-home defenceman and perhaps another scoring winger. He's rejected the notion of "getting stupid" by pursuing high-priced talent in the UFA market. Cristodero suggested one option to boost the roster could be in shopping goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. While acknowledging Khabubilin could bounce back from his inconsistent performance this past season, Cristodero notes "the 'Bulin Wall" would have some value from clubs looking to upgrade their goaltending. However, Feaster has given no indication he'd consider moving Khabibulin, and had a positive chat with the goalie regarding his getting benched in Game Five of the Bolts-Devils series.
Spector's Note: The Lightning's notable improvement this season should see them get most of their free agents back under contract, and that includes Prospal. Should Andreychuk retire, that would also free up some coin to re-sign the other. Grahame played well for the Bolts since coming over from Boston, but his career has been marked by inconsistency much worse than what Khabibulin went through this past year. Still, if Feaster were to shop the veteran to the Boston Bruins or St. Louis Blues, two clubs who desperately need to improve their goaltending, there is bound to be interest.
Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche 4:3 (4:2/2:3/0:3/1:3/3:2/3:2/3:2) Minnesota Wild vs Vancouver Canucks 3:3 (3:4/3:2/2:3/2:3/7:2/5:1)
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Philadelphia Flyers "have some interest" in Tampa Bay Lighting goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, whose future with the club Brooks suggests is "unclear" after being benched by head coach John Tortorella in Game Five of their second round series against the New Jersey Devils. Brooks claims the Lightning "may be willing" to take Roman Cechmanek, whom the Flyers are shopping, and hints former Flyers head coach Bill Barber ("a man of much influence" within the Bolts organization) could be a deciding factor. Brooks believes such a deal could happen if the Flyers threw in blueline prospect Jeff Woywitka.
Spector's Note: Guess again! As was published in the Tampa Bay media a month ago, Lightning GM Jay Feaster stated he has no plans to move Khabibulin. Given the baggage that comes with Cechamanek and the high opinion Bolts management has of "the 'Bulin Wall", don't expect this swap to happen.
MINNESOTA WILD - WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALIST 2002/2003
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
ST. PETERSBURG TIMES/TAMPA TRIBUNE: both reported Lightning goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin has been the subject of trade speculation in several newspapers since the retirement of Colorado's Patrick Roy and Roman Cechmanek being dealt by the Philadelphia Flyers. GM Jay Feaster declined to discuss the rumours, but reiterated through a team spokesman that he has no intention of trading Khabibulin.
Spector's Note: this is the second time in as many months Feaster has publicly denied plans to move Khabibulin, but that hasn't stopped the press in other cities from suggesting otherwise, based on "Khabby's" supposed unhappiness over being benched in Game Five of the Lighting-Devils series by coach John Tortorella. Feaster stated back then the air had been cleared between the two and there were no problems, but expect the more notable rumourmongers in the NHL media to keep using that as the basis for their wild speculations.
MINNESOTA WILD - WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALIST 2002/2003
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
TSN.CA: reports Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster says he remains "significantly apart" on re-signing impending UFA forwards Dave Andreychuk and Vaclav Prospal to new contracts, which could see the two "bolt" the club via this summer's UFA market. Andreychuk is seeking a one-year deal worth $2 million, while Prospal is seeking a five-year deal. While the Lightning will be increasing their payroll by $5 million US to $33 million, Feaster must also re-sign restricted free agents including Brad Richards, Dan Boyle, Fredrik Modin and John Grahame.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have decided to let forward Vaclav Prospal test the UFA market. He wants a five-year, $17.5 million deal, while the Bolts are offer $12.5 over the same period.
Spector's Note: It's a good possibility he'll go the free agent route, although reports out of Tampa Bay yesterday had negotiations ongoing with neither side overly concerned about the approaching deadline. Either they're resigned to the situation or maybe a last-minute deal can be reached.
Das das hier noch nirgendwo stand wundert mich jetzt aber Herr Wes und LB
Friday, June 27
Andreychuk opts to stay with Bolts
Associated Press
Andreychuk TAMPA, Fla. -- Left winger and team captain Dave Andreychuk re-signed Thursday with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A 21-year NHL veteran, the 39-year-old Andreychuk helped guide the Lightning to their first Southeast Division title and an appearance in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Andreychuk had 20 goals and 14 assists in 72 games last season and added three goals, three assists and 10 penalty minutes in 11 Stanley Cup playoff games.
"Obviously, I am very happy to get this done, and I am very happy to be part of a team that's on the rise," Andreychuk said. "We had a great run this past season, and I certainly intend on being part of a team that goes into the playoffs again in 2003-04."
Andreychuk would have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
@bigfoot... das ist doch uralt und seit dem der lb das immer macht, mach ich da gar nix mehr
MINNESOTA WILD - WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALIST 2002/2003 Houston Aeros - Calder Cup Champion 2003 Lions Forum Playoff Tippspiel Champion 2003 Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
ST. PETERSBURG TIMES: Damian Cristodero reports the Tampa Bay Lightning could be " a player" in this summer's UFA market after thus far unsuccessful attempts to re-acquire defenceman Roman Hamrlik from the NY Islanders. It's believed the Bolts were offering a package of forwards Fredrik Modin and Sheldon Keefe for Hamrlik. GM Jay Feaster has decided not to make qualifying offers to defencemen Stan Neckar and Nolan Pratt, leaving holes in the blueliner Cristodero speculates could be plugged via free agency, although it wouldn't be an expensive pickup. The Islanders aren't believed interested in Modin and instead would have designs on " Alexander Svitov, Nikita Alexeev and, as the rumor goes, Lecavalier", none of whom Feaster will move, nor would he be interested in obtaining Mattias Timander from the Isles. They are expected to sign prospect Andreas Holmqvist.
Spector's Note: A trade doesn't seem an option, especially with the slumping Modin as the bait. However, there should be some affordable blueliners available to the Bolts in this summer's UFA market. That would probably be the best route to take. Some possibilities include Bryan Marchment, Greg de Vries, Jason Woolley, Bill Houlder, Dmitry Yushkevich, or Ken Klee.
ST. PETERSBURG TIMES: Damian Cristodero reports the Tampa Bay Lightning were unable to re-sign Vaclav Prospal, who as of today become a UFA. It's believed the Detroit Red Wings and NY Rangers may have interest in Prospal, who racked up 79 points last season and is seeking a five-year deal worth $3.5 mil per season
The Tampa Tribune reports in its Sunday edition that unrestricted free agent Vaclav Prospal has accepted a deal from an undisclosed team - believed to be the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim or Atlanta Thrashers - and will not return to the Lightning next season. Lightning general manager Jay Feaster told the Tribune that the agreement is likely for five years at $20 million to $25 million. An agreement between the Lightning and Prospal's agent that would allow Tampa Bay to match any offer was taken off the table by Rich Winter on Monday. Because teams were not willing to make an offer that could be matched, Winter reportedly asked Feaster for a final offer with a Wednesday morning deadline.
The original offer the Lightning tendered Prospal was five years at $2.5 million per year. He raised the offer to five years at $2.75 million per year, including incentive bonuses that made it $3.25 million per year. "I spoke with [Winter] late in the afternoon, and that's when he told me that there were two teams offering [Prospal] deals that were so far off what we were offering that there was no sense in offering a right to match," Feaster told the paper. "I was told he had accepted a deal that was worth $20 to $25 million and that the deal would be signed within a day or two."
TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) - The Tampa Bay Lightning, who won a playoff series for the first time in franchise history last season, on Thursday re-signed restricted free agent left wing Fredrik Modin to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Modin was eligible for arbitration, but did not file. Modin teamed with Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis to give the Lightning a solid No. 1 line during the regular season, when he had 17 goals and 23 assists in 76 games. In the playoffs, coach John Tortorella shuffled the lines and Modin had just two goals in 11 games. "Fredrik Modin was one of our best forwards over the last third of the season and into the playoffs," Lightning general manager Jay Feaster said. "He played very solid two-way hockey, really competed hard and was strong on the puck and along the boards. That's the Fredrik Modin we have come to know and appreciate here in Tampa. When he's playing that way, we believe it's only a matter of time until the goals start coming again in bunches." The 28-year-old Modin is the Lightning's all-time leader with 17 game-winning goals. The 6-4, 220-pound Swede was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Cory Cross in October 1999 and has 123 goals and 128 assists in 503 career games. The Lightning, who defeated Washington in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils in the semifinals, now have nine unsigned restricted free agents.
TAMPA BAY (Ticker) - The Tampa Bay Lighting re-signed restricted free agent right wing Ben Clymer on Tuesday to a one-year contract.
The 25-year-old Clymer, a former defenseman, scored six goals and had 12 assists in 65 games with the Lightning last season.
He also had a pair of assists in 11 playoff games.
"Ben Clymer is a very versatile player who we believe is on verge of a true breakout season," executive vice president and general manager Jay Feaster said. "The coaching staff has tremendous confidence in Ben's abilities and we all want to see him start contributing more offensively and becoming more of an impact player."
Clymer has 27 goals and 39 assists in 229 games with Tampa Bay.
Méschda Hoschbess holy a.k.a. Rosebud ...und nichts ist wie es scheint!!
Brawls. Blood. Mayhem. Philly style. You want it - we got it!
newcoming tough enforcers: --> Leafs-Fans können hier klicken!! Garrett Burnett HFD GP 62, G 6, A 1, P 7, Pim´s 346 - Peter Vandermeer PHI GP 77, G 5, A 8, P 13, Pim´s 335 Sean McMorrow ROC GP 64, G 0, A 1, P 1, Pim´s 315 - Darcy Verot SJN GP73, G 5, A 11, P 16, Pim´s 299
(http://www.tampabaylightning.com) - The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Pascal Trepanier, Executive Vice President & General Manager Jay Feaster announced today. In accordance with club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Trepanier, 29, is a 6-foot, 210-pound native of Gaspe, Quebec. He has played in 229 NHL games during the past six seasons with Colorado, Anaheim and Nashville, recording 12 goals, 34 points and 252 penalty minutes. Last season, Trepanier appeared in one game with Nashville and 52 games with Milwaukee of the American Hockey League (nine goals, 24 points) before being traded to Florida on March 9. He appeared in 12 games for Florida's AHL affiliate in San Antonio, recording four goals, 10 points and 10 penalty minutes.
"Pascal Trepanier is an experienced, veteran player who adds tremendous depth to our organization," Feaster said. "He has played more than 200 games in the NHL and can play both defense and forward, which makes him even more valuable to our franchise.
"Most importantly, Bill Barber and I know him, we know his character and work ethic, and we are confident he will embrace our 'team first' commitment."
Trepanier played four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Hull, Troi-Rivieres and Sherbrooke, tallying 37 goals, 95 assists and 378 penalty minutes in 206 games. Undrafted, he turned pro with Dayton of the East Coast Hockey League in 1994-95, and also played for Kalamazoo of the International Hockey League and Cornwall of the AHL that same season. He was signed as a free agent by Colorado prior to the 1995-96 season, and spent 1996-97 in Hershey where Feaster's Bears captured the Calder Cup Championship.
Trepanier made his NHL debut with the Avalanche in 1997-98, appearing in 15 games. He was claimed by Anaheim in the NHL Waiver Draft on October 5, 1998, and spent the next three seasons with the Ducks. Re-signed by Colorado prior to the 2001-02 season, Trepanier appeared in a career-best 74 games for the defending Stanley Cup Champions, recording four goals, nine assists and 59 penalty minutes. Nashville signed him as a free agent prior to last season.
Méschda Hoschbess holy a.k.a. Rosebud ...und nichts ist wie es scheint!!
Brawls. Blood. Mayhem. Philly style. You want it - we got it!
newcoming tough enforcers: --> Leafs-Fans können hier klicken!! Garrett Burnett HFD GP 62, G 6, A 1, P 7, Pim´s 346 - Peter Vandermeer PHI GP 77, G 5, A 8, P 13, Pim´s 335 Sean McMorrow ROC GP 64, G 0, A 1, P 1, Pim´s 315 - Darcy Verot SJN GP73, G 5, A 11, P 16, Pim´s 299
Sie sind vermutlich noch nicht im Forum angemeldet - Klicken Sie hier um sich kostenlos anzumelden
Offline
a.k.a. Rosebud
...und nichts ist wie es scheint!!
