Hammer Time?

From Spectors Hockey:

MSG NETWORK: Stan Fischler reports the re-signing of defenceman Janne Niinimaa by the NY Islanders "virtually guarantees" blueliner Roman Hamrlik won't be back with the club. Fischler notes the Tampa Bay Lightning have wanted to re-acquire Hamrlik for some time.

Spector's Note: Given the fact the Bolts are focussing attention on re-signing Martin St. Louis and the fact they walked away from Cory Stillman's arbitration award to bring back the more affordable Vaclav Prospal, I doubt they have the money available to bring back Hamrlik unless he agrees to a pay cut. Given his Group II free agent status, Hamrlik likely won't be moved until after a new CBA is in place.

Interesting thought... But as the piece says, the number one priority right now is Martin St. Louis' resigning. That si going to eat up money as well as time. If the Lightning were still set on acquriing a vet D-man and had their sights set squarely on Roman Hamrlik, the cost will surely go beyond draft picks. Of course, the Lightning also has Nikita Alexeev to trade (there is no guarantee he will make the roster and he cannot be sent down without going through waivers).