Lightning Owners are at a FRENZY!?

Question

They just signed Malone to a 7 year 31 million deal.

Hired Melrose as coach

Drafted Stamkos

Signed Vinny L to long term deal

Have rights to Roberts

And now have rights to Rolston

I'm guessing they want to win NOW. Do you think this is really good of the Lightning for next year, for the long-term future?

Answer 1

They are a bit overzealous, but they are making a h**l of an effort, more than I can say for Wang and Snow. Does anybody else honestly think Malone is worth that? He won't have the Isles to score on anymore.

Rolston said he will test the FA market, so we shall see.

Stamkos was a no-brainer.

Locking up Vinny was a good idea.

If they Flyers were able to turn it around, it's always possible TB can too. They still need a D-man and a goaltender.

Answer 2

Well, good job on getting some decent to good forwards.  Now, who's playing defense for that team?

Answer 3

Well out of all the moves made 3 are long-term, so these aren't just a one and done and breaking up any team chemistry.

Also Malone was signed, which I didn't expect, I thought Malone, Rolston, and Roberts would all be bargaining chips.  I still think either Rolston or Roberts will cause the owners are looking for at least 2 D-men

Rumors are we will lose Boyle and I don't like that at all, but that's just a rumor.  We are also talking to a number of #1 goalies and I won't be happy till one of them is signed

Answer 4

Their forwards are now the best in the league hands down. They still need one other really good defense man besides Boyle. Also don't forget, their goalie is really young. If Smith has a pretty good season, then watch out for this team.

GO SHARKS!!! s***w CAMPBELL AND GET HOSSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

You beat me to asking about this by a few minutes, Teal...

I'll beat you next time, I swear!! :b

We shouldn't be too surprised if the Lightning right their ship pretty quickly. The Flyers were pretty aggressive last offseason so they could turn their team around from one of the worst teams to a playoffs contender. It might be a trend in the "new" NHL. You finish low in the standings, draft high, then pay a lot of money for free agents.

The Lightning are really throwing their money into some players. Vinny L, I can understand. That's their franchise player. But Ryan Malone---do you really want to sign that kind of guy to a 7 year deal? Perhaps long contracts will also be a new trend?

Answer 6

The internal armchair GM within me is shaking his head at these moves but I can see where teams would do this; especially this year when even some of the bottom feeders are going to be forced to spend money to hit the 40 million dollar floor. Supply and demand definitely favors the players right now. Is Tampa making the right moves? Probably not - they are overspending a bit, trading draft picks away and focusing too much on offense by the looks of it.

Offense will get you far in the East, but we have all seen what has happened to Ottawa's and Pittsburgh's high powered offense during the SCF's in recent years.

Erica-  Yep, those were the days, summers here which means no computer time. I try to squeeze by every so often but I'm working against time.   P.S. Don't let the red and white fool you, deep deep down I have this special feeling for Crosby.

Answer 7

....And yet, they STILL don't have a goaltender

I don't think it is good for them now, or in the future.

****ADD- The past few seasons the Lightning had their big three signed to very large contracts, which left little room to do anything else and it seemed like they were screwed for the past couple of seasons. They got rid or Richard's large contract last season at the deadline which led me to believe they were on the right track, and then they go and pretty much do the same thing with Malone, granted it isn't as much as Richards' contract. I don't think it is a very good idea in most cases to spend so much money(approx $24million) for four players. I guess with the cap rising again it won't have that much of an impact, but they are still in need of a goaltender like you mentioned. I'm not completely sold on Theodore, but we'll see what happens.

Answer 8

I think they are definitely going to improve, but not enough to be a legitimate contender.

I mean, they haven't signed/acquired the rights to any superstars.  They gave Malone too much money and too long a contract, and will have a hard time keeping Stamkos for too many years if they use up all their cap room (as someone said on another thread).

I like their enthusiasm and everything, and as a fan it's good to see that the new owners want success and are willing to do what it takes, but a few decent players aren't going to push the lightning over the edge.  Look at the islanders... that just doesn't work.

Answer 9

If I were a Lightning fan, I'd be a little cautious about immediate success. Despite my feelings about whether Melrose is truly a good coach, the Bolts could have done a lot worse hiring him.

Stamkos is a big plus. And locking up Vinny is better than drafting Stamkos. I also like Rolston, he is a good acquisition.

Roberts will provide veteran leadership for a team that is being put together quickly.

All in all, with the season they just had, they can only improve. The Lightning faithful have something positive to look forward to. I find it interesting how the 2008-09 season is shaping up for Tampa as 2007-08 was for the Flyers.

A lot of teams looked like certain Cup contenders at this time of year. A rare few have gone on to win it. Just be cautious is all I'm saying.

Answer 10

It's hard to say really, first off Malone signing for 7 years, surprises me. And if he adjusts to the team, then they have a very good chance at success. And if they get Roberts, good for them but he is close to retiring.