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Forum: Talk Lightning
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I know, I know, you guys have been hitting the refresh button on more than one occassion in the past three hours wondering where in the heck all the news has gone (Hey, I do work for a daily newspaper, at least for the time being). You’re looking for something, anything, to latch onto at this late hour. This blog has felt like an addiction to you guys for the better part of the past 72 hours. And believe me, I know. Other than sleep, I haven’t had my hands away from the keyboard and mouse for more than a little over an hour (and that was for my late afternoon meeting) since I ended my trip to Busch Gardens early on Saturday!!!!!
Well, I’m back for the last time tonight to feed your addiction, but I am no kind of a pusher. I’m simply here to feel a need and try to give you some Anton Ego perspective (who gets the reference?) following a maddening few days. And it may not be over yet.
First of all, it appears that the team truly is done making any moves for the rest of the night. I last checked in at 10 p.m. and all is quiet. But it certainly hasn’t been that way today. I can’t even count the number of blog posts I put up for consumption. The one signing the flew under the radar somewhat was 6-foot-6 forward David Koci to a one-year, two-way deal. The enforcer has been a fan favorite in Norfolk, which is probably his eventual destination. Also, found out that Evgeny Artyukhin’s contract is being held up until the NHL gets documented proff that he is no longer under contract with is team in Russia. This stems from the whole lack of a transfer agreement with the IIHF and the NHL not wanting to raid players from Russia who are under contract.
Now, onto some of the meat of what won’t be in the paper.
The more I keep hearing about Dan Boyle, I’m convinced that the rumors are indeed true and he is being actively being shopped around the league. I asked around about it tonight and didn’t get any kind of a hard denial at this point. It makes sense to me since the new ownership wanted to deal him at the trade deadline before compromising and allowing Jay Feaster to sign him to a six-year extension. The team is on the lookout for a “mid-level’’ defenseman, which means they are lookng to move at least one if not two or three bodies off the blue line before the season starts. And with all the payroll added over the weekend, maybe they feel they need to pare it back some by trading Boyle and bring back a player or two who is cheaper.
But I don’t agree with trading him. I know there are plenty of Boyle haters out there and I’m not saying Boyle isn’t without his faults. But his strengths are a valuable asset in the game today. He can carry the puck up the ice and lead the rush, he makes a strong first pass out of the zone and he is going to chip in on offense. Let’s not forget he scored 20 goals two seasons ago. And just because he’s not Chris Pronger in his own end doesn’t mean he’s a liability in his own end. I can live with whatever deficiencies Boyle may have in the defensive zone because he competes and battles. After seeing what Campbell received from Chicago ($7.1 million per season), Boyle’s contract seems like a good deal for what he brings. I just get a strong feeling he’s going to be moved.
Secondly, the team appears to have a glut of forwards, how do you find room for them all?
I think you can pretty much get the idea that Chris Gratton won’t be back. (Wonder who Stamkos will room with now? Gary Roberts maybe?) Jason Ward, I think, is all but a goner. I think that Michel Ouellet might also be a target if they are looking to move somebody off the bottom two lines, and possibly even Jussi Jokinen only because of his $1.875 million salary this season.
But, having said that, I think I like the way the lines are shaping up at this point.
How does this look?
Vinny Prospal-Vinny Lecavalier-Marty St. Louis
Radim Vrbata-Steven Stamkos-Ryan Malone
Adam Hall-Jeff Halpern (when healthy)-Gary Roberts
Nick Tarnasky-Ryan Craig-Evgeny Artyukhin
And that doesn’t even include Jokinen or Ouellet!!!!
Really, that’s not a bad four lines, although I would have to think that maybe you could swap Hall down to the fourth line in place of Tarnasky and slot Jokinen on the third line Jokinen.
Defense is muddled, as well, hence the Boyle rumors. I would also think that Filip Kuba may not fit the mold of a Barry Melrose type of player, so he might be a candidate to move as well.
I really like the signing of Olie Kolzig (although a $2.5 million cap hit is kind of high) because of what he can bring on the ice and in the locker room, as well. I don’t think he’s capable of playing 55-plus games at the age of 38, but he can play 30 and have a good chance of winning half of them playing behind Mike Smith.
Speaking of Smith, the team is looking to talk contract extension with him. In addition, in regards to the rumors that he’s being shopped, well, he’s not. That’s not to say teams aren’t calling, maybe they are thinking Tampa Bay signed Kolzig to be a No. 1, to see if they could pry Smith away. But the thing is, it’s Koules and Barrie’s group that traded for Smith. They were the ones driving that bus on the Brad Richards trade. To me, it doesn’t make sense that they would even consider moving him. He was brought in to be a No. 1, why trade him before he is even given that chance?
Here’s a couple of other things to expect in the coming days:
* Artyukhin, as mentioned above, will be announced.
* Ryan Craig should sign a two-year contract that is supposed to be announced Wednesday.
* The team is talking to acquired defenseman Janne Niskala and expect him to be signed in the near future.
* The front office staff was still working on some things late Tuesday night, mostly some trade talk, but nothing is imminent on that front.
And for those of you still looking to hit refresh on the page, please, put down the lap top, take your hand off the mouse and please, just go to bed. Nothing more is going to happen tonight. (I think)
Posted by Mike Joyce, Bangkok, Thailand on 07/02 at 04:05 PM
The main purpose of defensemen is to stop the other team from scoring. If they can contribute to the offense after that, you have a bonus. Boyle can’t play defense at all, and is useless in that situation. His only contribution is to the offense. The team would be better off to trade him and have defensemen who can actually play defense.
Torts is gone and his system with him. Boyle was elemental to Torts’ system, so keeping him doesn’t make that much sense. Would I rather have Pronger in his prime than Boyle in his prime? Duh!
Posted by Dan, Sarasota on 07/02 at 03:19 PM
I hope your wrong about Boyle.I agree he is too valuable to this team.Getting rid of Ouellet would be a bad idea, so would Jokinen.New ownership is starting to worry me a bit.
Posted by berlin, sarasota on 07/02 at 12:16 PM
No way Eric, you have to put Ouellet in place of Hall and Jokinen in place of Roberts.Now thats a scoring line.And I’d rather see Gratton center that 4th line.They would be ruthless.We still haven’t addressed our defense,one of last years biggest problems.
Posted by Justin, Tampa on 07/02 at 10:29 AM
I think that many of us here still fail to realize that certain players are being brought in to play in a differen’t system than that of Tort’s...Keep this in mind while these deals are being made and players are moved. I think OK Hockey has proved that they know what they are doing.
Posted by Greg, Tampa on 07/02 at 10:22 AM
I agree with Erik that trading Boyle would be a horrible idea - and I won’t be heart broken if Kuba is moved but I really think he could have a bounce back year if he was told to play more of a stay at home defenseman role.
It sucks but I think this might be the best time to consider moving St. Louis - he’d bring a kings ransom in a trade where we wouldn’t get all that much for Jussi or Ouelett. We probably won’t be able to keep him once his contract is up either. I guarantee Montreal, Toronto, or the Rangers would open up the cupboards if we gave them the opportunity to acquire St. Louis.
Posted by Justin, Tampa on 07/02 at 10:02 AM
Craig was resigned for 2 years.
Posted by BOLTS RULE !!!!, Tampa on 07/02 at 09:59 AM
We have a few on our current team who may not make the cut this year and may not get resigned, but I have faith in what they, the owners, seem to be doing, and I can only hope to see some of the players who played hard for our team all last year come back and play for a renewed team this year.
If they dont play for us I wish them the best, an hope they have a horrible game when they play against the bolts.
Nice job Mr. Koules, please by all means keep it up, we are all looking forward to seeing what you will do next.
Posted by BOLTS RULE !!!!, Tampa on 07/02 at 09:58 AM
I would hate to see Smitty go anywhere, I think he has alot of potential and someone like Kolzig can help him.
You dont hire a plumber to train the electrician, so it makes sense you dont hire a forward to train a goalie. Kolzig will work well with Smith.
The new ownership is making some great decisions and I love seeing their passion for this team, it is making the fans excited again, and stirring up alot of enthusiam, for the ones who were tired of seeing owners watch the games from the great white north.
Posted by BOLTS RULE !!!!, Tampa on 07/02 at 09:57 AM
According to Boyle’s Contract they had until July 1 to trade him, and then the No Trade Clause went into effect. Now he has a say on where he may go.
I would love to see Boyle stay and play the whole year healthy. I think that hurt us in the beginning last year, not having his experience and leadership to help the younger players.
If you look online at the free agents still available, there are lots of defensemen still available, so we may be able to afford 2-3 of them, Not many from the A list, since they are going like hot cakes and we spent alot of excellent forwards, but we might be able to put a little more depth on blue line.
Posted by Mitchell Margo, tampa on 07/02 at 09:24 AM
hey patrick, have you seen Artyukhin play?
he is a monster, can fight way better than Roy, and is way better than Roy. I think the opposing teams will fear Arty and little bit more than Roy. No cheap shots are going to come to Vinny or else Arty might hit them with their own helmet. I think the moves so far have been really good. i dont really want to trade boyle, and i think kuba is the one to trade as well, hopefully one defensive d-man is left in OK’s thinking.
Posted by Chris C, Lakeland on 07/02 at 09:19 AM
Thanks for all the updates Erik. I say keep Boyle, last season doesn’t count due to injuries and the whole team was lousy. But he’s the best man we have on the blue line on bringing the puck up the ice. Who do we have thats better?????
Posted by Patrick Gribben, St. Petersburg, FL on 07/02 at 09:12 AM
Although I don’t have a lot of time to put into this comment, Andre Roy is very important to the Tampa Bay Lightning, past and future. Hell, even Barry Melrose said virtually the same thing at the STH party.
Just like when you hear almost all his teammates openly say they appreciate what Andre brings to the hockey club; look no further than the comments Vinny has made in regards to the space and protection Andre provides on a game-by-game basis.
I’m sorry but neither Arty, Tarno or even O’Brien can provide this. Now if you want these players fighting the battles of Roy, or Koci, go ahead - be nieve. But ignorance is bliss, and so will be when you start seeing all the injuries and cheapshots piling up against the Bolts next year.
Posted by fanofbolts, on 07/02 at 08:53 AM
Unless my math is off… The Bolts were 20-20-5 without Boyle… 11-22-4 with Boyle....500 without 11 games under .500 with…
Posted by matt, odessa on 07/02 at 08:39 AM
"Could we please re-sign Andre Roy now”
Really? You want 2 guys on the ice taking stupid penalties? (Maybe 3 guys including Roberts)Arty has always had a knack for taking the ill-advised penalty every now and then. Roy is nothing special. He has one job, and by the Flyers game he couldn’t even do that right. Roy brings nothing else to the rink but fighting. Slow, bad defensively, not good offensively, and really, he’s not that good of a fighter. So why do you want Roy back?
Posted by matt, on 07/02 at 08:32 AM
"Moving Boyle would be a HUGE mistake. He brings way too much to the offense, as Torts once said, he makes it go”
TORTS IS GONE! THIS IS NOT HIS TEAM OR HIS OFFENSE! BOYLE MAY VERY WELL NOT FIT INTO WHAT MELROSE WANTS TO DO.
ARE THE BOLTS SUPPOSED TO PAY 6.6 MIL WHEN BOYLE IS 37, 38, OR 39? THEY WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO MOVE HIM THE OLDER HE GETS.
It’s now or never in terms of trading Boyle. Either way it doesn’t matter to me. I have enough confidence in the new owners that they would fill his spot accordingly if he gets moved. Personally, I think shut-down defensemen is what this team lacked last season.
And anyone actually have the Bolts record with and without Boyle in it? I thought the Bolts were better wo Boyle, but I could be wrong.
Posted by Patrick Gribben, St. Petersburg, FL on 07/02 at 07:56 AM
Could we please re-sign Andre Roy now.
David Koci is a minor league signing, for the most part, and players like Stamkos, Vinny, Marty, ect, will need a heavyweight enforcer to protect them. Not Arty, Tarnasky, or O’Brien. But then again, our lineup is packed enough as is....
Could we get a blog post about that please? (Andre Roy)
- Humpzilla, of Hockeyfights.com
P.s. Keep up the great blog work!
Posted by Blake Lambe, Meaford, Ontario ,Canada on 07/02 at 07:41 AM
Moving Boyle would be a huge mistake, he’s to good with the puck. Look at how we moved the puck last year with out him. The power play would be a sad place with him not there. Ryan Malone at 4.5M a year for 7 years wow I really hope that works out, I really do. Getting pretty excited about Stamkos, he’s gonna be real good on the ice and in the community. Go Bolts!
Posted by Mike Joyce, Bangkok, Thailand on 07/02 at 03:55 AM
I really like the way the new owners are going. They have solidified the offense and goal keeping. It only makes sense that they will be looking to improve the defense.
Keep going guys. You will make next season much more interesting.
Posted by David, Tampa on 07/02 at 12:54 AM
Has everyone forgot Boyle has a no trade clause. He also just bought a house and married a local girl. I doubt he is going to waive the no trade clause. I think Kuba is more likely/able to be traded.
Posted by Gary, on 07/02 at 12:16 AM
I thought Barrie wanted three scoring lines. Without Ouelette and Jokinen on the third line, there isn’t going to be much scoring from that line. Hall and Roberts weren’t even close to breaking double digits in goals last year. Trade Ward and leave Hall on the bench.
Posted by Seth C, Georgia on 07/01 at 11:41 PM
Moving Boyle would be a HUGE mistake. He brings way too much to the offense, as Torts once said, he makes it go. There isn’t a better puck moving defenseman out there, including Lidstrom and Rafalski (not to say Boyle brings what those two do in their own end), Boyle just has an “it” factor that I don’t see in other guys. They still have room under the cap, but if they really want to dump a salary, Kuba’s $3M could easily be switched for a $1.5M guy that brings just as much, if not more value on the ice.
Posted by Bill, Tampa on 07/01 at 11:38 PM
Nite nite Eric
I also would not like to see Boyle moved.
I would move a couple of the other defenseman, like a Kuba, and forwards not listed on your lines for a few draft picks in order to stock up the farm in the future.
Posted by victor e. victor, PINE-el lass on 07/01 at 11:32 PM
If anyone is dumb enough to take Boyle, and that ridiculous contract Feaster gave him, so much the better for us.
Posted by Lance, Canada on 07/01 at 11:15 PM
Hey, Erik. I didn’t receive the 2nd half of your post. The last part I saw was “Speaking of Smith”
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Posted by Dustin Keene, Tampa, FL on 07/02 at 07:17 PM
This is simply said. The organization and OK Hockey has taken 15 big steps in the right direction… Having said that, moving Boyle is taking 20 bigger steps back. No one realizes what a healthy Dan Boyle brings to this team, experience for a young defense core who has already learned so much from last season and will definitely impress ALL of the Tampa doubters of our D this season…