He had to go

by John Fontana on Jul 2, 2006 4:52 PM EDT in National Hockey League Entry Draft

During the 2004-05 campaign -- some people had a hard time seeing #5 out on ice. The had a hard time becuase they associated the number with former long-time Tampa defensiveman Jassen Cullimore, and the body under the #5 sweater was clearly not Jassen Cullimore.

They had problems because one of the usually suspects out on ice when a goal was given up, or a flippant mistake was made on defense, was #5. Daryl Sydor came to the Lightning to add defensive talent as well as playoff experience to the defensive corpse in 2004, and now his time in Tampa is over.

Having to make cap space for RFA signings, Jay Feaster dealt Daryl Sydor to the Dallas Stars on Sunday for a 4th round draft pick. It does leave a hole in the defensive squad, but it was a move that had to happen for (as already mentioned) financial reasons as well as play.

Jay Feaster told the St. Petersburg Times this morning that he was through dealing besides minor moves here and there and I believe him (though another salary dump is not out of the question -- with Vaclav Prospal being the likely target). I believe this gives defensive prospects such as Mike Egener, Andy Rogers, Matt Smaby and others more hope if they plan to crack the Lightning roster in the pre-season.

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If the Lightning need a salary dump, it would be better to make it Burke’s. Prospal’s a deal for his salary and the points that puts up on the offense. There’s only about a $300K difference between Prospal and Burke salaries. Burke is making less, but he’s also not needed with Holmqvist signed to a 1-way deal and $600K.

by Ken on Jul 3, 2006 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

Burke’s got a no-trade clause from what I understand. I also have read (sorry for no immediate source) Burke won’t be back this year. If he retires, that’s still a cap hit.

by John F. on Jul 3, 2006 10:23 AM EDT reply actions

That’s correct. The cap hit is 100% of his salary and it doesn’t matter if he’s retired or in the minors. I suppose that they could ask him to waive his no-trade clause. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

He’s a good guy, but they can’t afford him with Holmqvist on a 1-way deal.

by Ken on Jul 3, 2006 11:02 AM EDT reply actions