June 30, 2008
Tampa Bay Wants You!...and Ryan Malone, and Gary Roberts, and Brian Rolston
Another day, another deal to get Tampa Bay the rights to somebody.
Saturday it was the deal that gave Tampa the rights to Penguins Gary Roberts and Ryan Malone. With a dozen unrestricted free agents to handle, the Pens couldn't afford to re-sign Malone, and probably wouldn't have re-signed Roberts. So with the deal they get a 4th round pick from Tampa, which turns into a 3rd rounder if Malone actually signs with the Bolts. And word is they are working on finalizing a 7-year deal worth over 31 mil. So that 3rd rounder is looking pretty good.
And today, it's Minnesota that has aided in the Tampa rebuilding effort. Late last night they traded the rights to Brian Rolston to the Bolts for a 3rd round pick in 2010. Now here it gets tricky, as that pick becomes a 4th rounder in 2009 if Ryan Malone signs in Tampa, which looks likely. And if they both sign, the pick goes back to the 3rd round, and will be in either 2009 or 2010, depending on what the Wild want.
If all these pieces fall into place the Lightning will be a formidable team come next season. And if so, it will take a lot of pressure off Steve Stamkos. Where Patrick Kane had to carry most of the Blackhawks last season, Stamkos has Lecavalier, Boyle, Prospal, and presumably Malone, Roberts, and Rolston to show him the way.
So as our friend Greg Wyshynski says, who will be the next to drink the Koules-Aid?
Update:
Malone and Roberts are officially Bolts. From TSN;
Malone has agreed to a seven year, $31.5 million contract, while Roberts agreed to terms on a one year contract that pays him a base salary of $1.25 million plus $10,000 for every game that he plays in the 2008-09 NHL regular season. So if Roberts were to play in all 82 games, he would earn $820,000 in bonuses, which could make his total income for the season $2.07 million.
That gives Tampa Bay the added scoring and veteran leadership that could lead them deep into the playoffs this coming season.
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