Is Tampa Bay going down the same road again as in 2004?

Question

I am sure we all know about the Ryan Malone signing to 7 years, 31 million dollars. Waaayyyy overpaid. Anyways, if anyone remembers, did this not happen in 2004 after their Cup victory?

They put a lot of money in certain players, but had no money for a goalie, so they have been mediocre in the goalie area. They've been struggling ever since then. And the team has been average to just bad.

Anyways, for next season, they have a lot of money on just a few players:

Malone 8 million

Boyle 6.6 million

Vinny 6.8 million

St. Louis 5.25 million

Kuba 3 million

Then in the near future they have to worry about Stamkos

So with these few salaries taking up about 30 million, what will they do about the goalie situation? Yes, they have a nice goalie in Mike Smith, but is he enough? I just have a feeling Tampa Bay will be repeating history; just a gut feeling.

Your thoughts?

What do you think they'll do with the goalie situation seeming they have about every other position covered?

Answer 1

Interesting question...I was getting tired of all the TBL talk today and I'm a TBL fan LOL.

I see what you are saying however as for those offensive players this is not an issue....no I don't see 2004 Ligntning in mind...I think they are going the way of Detroit Red Wings by signing some long term deals with players deserving of a long-term deal (unlike the Denis 3 Mil BS) and being consistent playoff players for a good part of the future.  They are creating a new core and will hold on to them for some time.

Also in 04 the creation of the cap made a big difference in how things went down in Tampa.  Now they are working around that...plus the cap raised 6 Mil this year so that helps. Now consider that 6 Mil cap raise and a rumor of droping Boyle (which I don't like BTW) there is enough in the cap space to sign a #1 Goalie...talks are they already have one in mind and are just waiting till July 1st to annouce it.

Now I've already said it 300 times today but Rolston/Roberts will be used to secure D-men, if we are lucky we will keep one of them (I'd rather have Rolston).

Look out on July 1st, with a #1 Goalie signed...I will be happy with all, and any future, TBL moves and we will be a force to reckon with.

EDIT:

Kate - Roberts signed?  Do you mean Malone?  I didn't see anything unless it just happened.

EDIT:

I don't like it...LOL.  First I hate one and done seasons which means I hate 1 year contracts.  Second that increases the chance that we will deal Rolston elsewhere and I would rather have Rolston than Roberts.

Answer 2

The Tampa Bay Lightning are under new ownership and their new ownership wants to win.

Answer 3

I think Mike Smith IS GOOD ENOUGH. He's good enough to be THE goalie as long as he continues to grow and mature. He needs help though. They need some real good d-men now.

I don't think they'll be repeating history. I actually think they'll be really good.

They did infact over pay for Malone. I wasn't even willing to pay him 3 mil a year.

EDIT: Boyle's name is on the trade front........they could be possibly trading him and getting a d-men or a goalie as some people say they need.

JR......Tampa HAS signed Roberts. The deal is done.

Answer 4

I think the Lightning are letting the excitement of a new coach who is popular among fans get the best of them.  They need to really sit and think about who they offer contracts to and if they fill a hole.  I think they need a goalie.  I think they need another d man, but would it be worth pushing the Cap limit to it's farthest by trying to sign Campbell?

Also, Boyle has a NTC, meaning he would have to approve of where he goes.  He may refuse, much like Sundin did.  And Tampa would have no one to blame but themselves for even giving him that clause.

EDIT:  Oops, I forgot Bopyle's NTC doesn't kick in until July 1st.

Answer 5

All the players that Tampa bay got are good. No player is really considered  bad. It is just the bad sportsmanship.