Latest Rumours and Speculation
Having reached the midway point in the season, and with the Bolts sitting in last place in the East, talk is heating up. One HUGE stumbling block to any deal with regard to the Lightning is the current ownership situation. Until that is resolved one way or the other, nothing will happen. That being said, if it is resolved before the trade deadline, here are some things to watch for.
First off, the most chatter seems to be surrounding the future of Dan Boyle. If he is able to come back healthy prior to the trade deadline, he could be a rental player at the top of many playoff bound team's wish lists. He is a pending UFA, and could be shopped for picks or prospects. However, with the Bolts defense being so bad this season, it would have to be a great deal for Feaster to move him and his rights out of Tampa.
Another UFA to be is Vinny Prospal. Vinny20 had a great start to this "contract year", but had a subsequent lull. He has seen a bit of a resurgence on this latest road trip , and he could end up on the trading block. Look for Detroit and Anaheim (if Teemu doesn't come back) to show interest in his services.
Other UFA's and RFA's this coming off season include Gratton, Karlsson, Craig, Hlavac, Roy and Darche. Also, keep in mind Holmer is slated to be a UFA at season;s end as well. If management truly believes Ramo is the future, Holmer could be moved. He was said to be one of last season's hottest goalie UFA's, so there most likely will be serious interest in his services. If he is dealt, the Bolts could turn to a veteran like Cujo of Belfore to fill in for the remainder of the season.
Don't expect any movement of the BIG 3. Marty and Brad have NTC's, and moving Vinny would turn the city against management, spell disaster for season ticket renewals, and spell certain death for the franchise. If anything, should the ownership transfer go through, look for Vinny to re-upped long term at or very near the maximum allowed by the CBA which is no more than 20% of the current salary cap number. Currently that would be $10 mil/season.
Want to chime in on how you think the Bolts players rank? Head over to the Boltsmag.com poll. Let your voice be heard!
The trade deadline is February 26th at 3pm. Stay tuned Bolts fans...
2 comments:
I think Prospal has the highest trade value out of those mentioned. Gratton has played through injuries and while he could prove a smart depth move -- he has a no trade clause on his contract that he waived only because he was coming back to the big TB.
Hlavac has no value. And while Darche has made the most out of his time in Tampa he's still a marginal player.
I agree, Prospal has some good value. I think Boyle does too, but the defense has been so bad, it would be a bad idea to lose him. The other UFA's may just be thrown in to sweeten a deal, or balance out the numbers.
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