Keeping busy in Tampa

Let’s get the run-down from beat-reporter Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune….

“Let’s recap the week to this point:

“June 23 – Lightning owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie are introduced at a press conference in Tampa, where they first announce a deal in principle is in place with Vinny Prospal and that they plan to be “shockingly aggressive’’ in free agency (certainly some foreshadow).

“June 24 – Barry Melrose is introduced as the new head coach in a press conference filled with plenty of glitz and promise that also includes the announcement of Rick Tocchet and Wes Walz as part of the staff.

“June 25 – Word begins to circulate that Vinny Lecavalier is on the verge of signing a contract extension worth $77 million over nine years that is later confirmed by team sources, although details are still being worked out.

“June 26 – Overall No. 1 pick Steven Stamkos comes to town for his introduction to the Tampa area and meets with the local media. Meanwhile, owners Koules and Barrie head out of town for a quiet weekend before the start of free agency.

“June 27 – All is quiet!!!!

“June 28 – Tampa Bay acquires the negotiating rights to pending free agents Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from Pittsburgh and immediately begins discussing contracts for both players.

“June 29 – Word begins to circulate that the Lightning have come to terms on deals for both Malone and Roberts, with Malone expected to sign a seven-year deal worth $31.5 million while Roberts is expected to sign a one-year, incentive laden deal that could pay him up to $2 million.

“June 29 (late night) – Tampa Bay makes another bold move acquiring the rights to negotiate with Minnesota forward Brian Rolston, giving the team about 36 hours to try to work out a deal.”

As of right now, 6:30-ish pm, Tampa Bay today has signed Prospal, Roberts, and acquired defenseman Janne Niskala from the Philadelphia Flyers. There are rumors that the contract from Malone is pretty close to being complete, so we should hear about that soon. Tampa’s people are talking to Rolston’s people, so at least there’s some communicating going on. And last, but not least, we’re all waiting with baited breath for Lecavalier’s deal to be official.

Of course, there are rumors that the team is shopping Dan Boyle (who has a no-trade clause in his contract) & that Tampa Bay might be looking for a goaltender to back up Mike Smith. So keep an eye out for all of that.

Whew! They’ve been some busy boys. Who says the off-season is boring, huh? And this is all happening before tomorrow – July 1st and the beginning of free agency – so who knows what wackiness is coming next! I really want to see next season’s schedule now.

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