Erik Erlendsson
Erik Erlendsson covers the Tampa Bay Lightning for The Tampa Tribune.
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Stamkos coming, Vinny staying long term
Posted Jun 19, 2008 by Erik Erlendsson
Updated Jun 19, 2008 at 08:19 PM
OTTAWA - We are hours away now from Steven Stamkos officially becoming a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning when the team picks him with the first pick in the draft. That is not a surprise.
But other news surfaced up here today when I heard that Vinny Lecavalier was close to signing a long-term contract extension that will keep him in Tampa Bay likely for the rest of his career. I caught wind of this a couple of days ago that things were progressing well. Sources have told me that things have moved along well enough at this point, that shortly after July 1 - the earliest an extension can be signed under the terms of the CBA - something might be announced on this front. No word yet on terms, but Lecavalier is making just over $7 million this season and one would have to think that any new contract would be in the neighborhood of what Alex Ovechkin signed with Washington, somewhere in the $9 million average salary.
Stamkos, meanwhile, talked today extensively about the chance to play with Lecavalier along with Marty St. Louis and Dan Boyle. Sounds very relaxed, and considering there is very little drama surrounding where he might end up on draft day, it’s understandable. While the other top prospects are still undergoing interviews with teams, Stamkos is kind of soaking it all in, enjoying the moment. Even cracking jokes about his week-long “playoff’’ beard and getting cameo appearances for the next round of Saw movies included in his contract.
Couple of other notes of interest - heard that Len Barrie, the new co-owner of the Lightning - has put up as much as $30 million in cash as part of the sale and possibly as much as $90 million total. Those numbers caught me off guard. . . . John Tortorella might be one of the two finalists for the Atlanta Thrashers job. . . .
That’s all I’ve got for now, check back in tomorrow for the big night!!!!
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Reader Comments
Por (Mike Joyce) on June 19, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Finally, some GOOD news!!!
Suggest removalPor (Tracy Morrow) on June 19, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Best news I’ve heard all day that Vinny will be signing a long-term contract!!!!
Suggest removalPor (Justin) on June 20, 2008 (Suggest removal)
I’ve seen the rumors with Vinny from Toronto to Montreal, never bought into them after hearing on a weekly basis his interest in staying here.
Suggest removalPor (Anne Legault) on June 20, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Fantastic news about Vinny #1! I was also very pleased to hear Vinny #2 (Prospal) will be returning as well! We know his problems with JT ushered his trade to the Flyers, and now that JT is out the door, we are pleased to welcome Prospal back with open arms. Add Smitty in goal with Ramo for backup and we just might make the playoffs in 09! GO BOLTS!
Suggest removalPor (Tony) on June 20, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Hey Anne, maybe you need to stop assuming that JT was the reason Prospal got traded. Its been reported that Prospal was one of the first to call Torts right after his firing. Just because Prospal mouthed off about being taken off the 1st line does not validate that he was traded because of what you assume that he hated Torts. The both of them are competitors and Torts knew how to get the best out of Prospal. Glad to see Prospal back, but will be one of many to look forward watching Torts stick it to that backstabbing Feaster if he gets that Atlanta Job. Love the Bolts but very unhappy with Feaster and crew.
Suggest removalPor (Ricky C) on June 20, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Prospal was traded for prospects (Picard etc) and no other reason. We traded for his rights so we don’t have to worry about a LW for Vinny/Marty line and in Feaster’s words “concentrate on finding a RW to play with Stamkos.” So if we make a FA splash look for a RW.
Suggest removalPor (Geografer) on June 20, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Atlanta has gone with Anderson (their AHL coach who just won the Calder Cup). Looks like it is LA Kings or the first team to fire their coach next season for Torts.
Suggest removalPor (Tony) on June 20, 2008 (Suggest removal)
How fitting it would be for Torts to get LA Kings now and we get Mullet head. Melrose had names like: Gretzky, Kurri, Robitaille, Granato, Carson, Zhitnik, Sydor and Blake…and he still sucked regardless of one cup showing with the help of Felix Potvin collapsing. Yep, Mullet man is the answer to all..
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