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Forum: Talk Lightning
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TAMPA – The busy offseason for the Tampa Bay Lightning continued Monday as the team signed goaltender Mike Smith to a two-year contract extension that will pay him $2 million for the 2009-10 season and increases to $2.4 million in 2010-11.
Smith, 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, was acquired from the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline, along with forwards Jussi Jokinen and Jeff Halpern, in the deal that sent Brad Richards to Dallas. Smith, 26, was originally drafted in the fifth round in 2001 by Dallas. In 13 games with the Lightning last season and posted a 2.79 goals-against average, an .893 save percentage and one shutout. Smith, a member of the All-Rookie team in 2007, has a career record of 27-24-0 record with 2.45 goals against average, a .905 save percentage and six shutouts. He was in the final year of his contract that pays him $950,000 this year.
Earlier this month internet rumors suggested that Smith was on the trading block because of the free agent acquisition of veteran goaltender Olie Kolzig. But the plan entering training camp is to have Smith grab hold of the No. 1 job with Kolzig serving in a backup/mentoring role while offering a safety net in case Smith falters in his first opportunity at being a No. 1 goaltender.
“It goes without saying that Mike has a bright future in the Lightning organization,” Lightning vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said. “It is important in our plan to have locked up Mike, along with Ollie, to solidify our goaltending situation this season and beyond.’’
Posted by Mike Joyce, Bangkok, Thailand on 07/14 at 05:05 PM
I agree that Kubina isn’t worth $5 mil a year, or anywhere near that; and, I’m very happy to see that someone else sees that he can’t skate. He has the body of a lion and the heart of a mouse. Marty has way more heart than Kubina ever thought of having.
As far as Ramo seriously challenging Smith in preseason, I think that it will be unlikely that he will take the job away from Smith - unless Smith just can’t do the job. If Smith just can’t do the job, then putting him on the waiver wire would not be unreasonable.
Posted by Geografer, Spokane, WA on 07/14 at 04:47 PM
If they were to decide to keep Ramo I can guarantee you that it would be Olie sent down not Smith. They are not going to risk losing Smitty to waivers as teams would be lining up to grab him – then all you have in Norfolk are two guys just coming out of Juniors. I believe you will see Ramo and Riku in Norfolk and Jung in Mississippi next year. I do believe one more year in Norfolk playing 55+ games would be great for Ramo. You don’t want to rush goalie development. Could Ramo play in the NHL now - yes - but let him start a ton of games in the AHL next year. This will help him more than backing up or splitting time in the NHL ever could.
Posted by Ruthe R., St Pete on 07/14 at 04:35 PM
I’m not sold on Smith yet. I expect Ramo to come in and challenge him in the pre-season. Really like what I saw of Ramo last season. I like his coolness and tenacity! Helenius deserves to go to Norfolk. He played well at Seattle. At least we have two young goaltenders in our system.
Posted by Geografer, Spokane, WA on 07/14 at 04:30 PM
Wait - you get rid of Boyle because his $6.67 is too high but you bring in Kubina at $5?? That is nuts - the guy can’t even skate. Look - I liked Kuby when he was here but he is not worth $5 mil a season. Plus his no trade claue kicks in again in August. So then you are stuck in the situation like we had with Boyle - yes it doesn’t mean he is stuck here but really if he doesn’t pan out what do you really think you are going to get in return - assuming he waives?
On another note - MacDonald won’t be back. TSN is reporting a one-year deal with Columbus. Too bad - would have rather seen Mac back than some of these other forward signings!
Posted by Mike Joyce, Bangkok, Thailand on 07/14 at 02:48 PM
I sure hope that they don’t get Kubina back. He and Kuba are two from the same mold. Having both would be incredibly bad.
Posted by BOLTS RULE !!!!, Tampa on 07/14 at 02:11 PM
Just in case any one is wondering about TORTS, he will probably be announced head coach of islanders soon.
Posted by BOLTS RULE !!!!, Tampa on 07/14 at 01:54 PM
the other rumor is the bolts may be looking at Kubina, for Oullet,Craig and a 4th round pick. I would much rather grab seabrook, he matches what they are looking for, plus the price is good. Kubina is very high price and we just got rid of boyle for the high price and age, Kubina is 31 and set to make 5 million over the next two years.
compared to Seabrooks 3.5 over the next 3
Posted by BOLTS RULE !!!!, Tampa on 07/14 at 01:47 PM
Tampa could use him definately, and he fits what they are looking for young defensemen, same age as carle, about 3 mil per year for a couple of years, and we do have a some draft picks, and forwards to sweeten the deal. He would be a great catch for the bolts. I am guessing a Nashville trade is for their draft picks and we give up one or two of our offense.
Posted by Jordan G, Riverview, FL on 07/14 at 01:44 PM
I dont know if Tampa would get Seabrook anyway, There is rumour of a 3 team deal between Ottawa, L.A., and Chicago, with Seabrook maybe going to Ottawa now…..that’d be good for me since im an Ottawa fan first and a Lightning fan second, but, Tampa still needs at least one other solid defenseman….
Posted by BOLTS RULE !!!!, Tampa on 07/14 at 01:38 PM
SeaBrook would be interesting, hes young about 3 mil toward cap and did will on points last year with alot of assists. I wonder who they would trade. Plus he was another first round draft pick back in 2003, plus the blackhawks are right now 500k over the cap, they need the room. He would be a great addition to the blue line, just wonder who we would give up.
Posted by Jordan G, Riverview, FL on 07/14 at 11:51 AM
The word on hockeybuzz.com is that the Lightning are trying to trade for Chicago defenseman Seabrook….and are also talking trade with Nashville…
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Posted by Goalman, Sarasota on 07/14 at 08:25 PM
Can’t agree with the Kubina bashers. No, I don’t think he is worth 5 million, but I do think his physical play greatly improved the last year he was with us. Putting Kuba in the same class as Kubina is a mistake. The next time Kuba hits somebody will be the first time. If you don’t think Kubina can be physical or skate, just ask Jagr what he thinks, Truthfully, I don’t think Kubina is coming to Tampa.Even though Martin has said he will not trade Boeumeester,I wouldn’t rule it out.
Where’s Torts? The rumor is that the Islanders are interested.