Radim the Dream.... will he become a Bolt?

by Cruisin4aBruisin on Jul 8, 2009 2:50 PM EDT

With the trade that didn't happen, and the pick ups that did, are the Bolts ready to embark on this season? Or is there more in the works?

I am particularly interested in Radim Vrbata. Showed flashes of competence and speed in his short career, however, made the move to the KHL... with interesting comments of coming back to the NHL to complete the last 2 yrs of his contract.

Does anyone out there believe him? I mean being a Habs fan myself, I have been awaiting the arrival of super-prospect Yemelin (D for KHL) for 3 yrs, only to be jilted again to hear that he and his agent believe the 'guarantees' that the KHL club can make are better than the ones the Habs can/have. Does Vrbata have the same option? Does Oren let him slide like this? Is there a way to cut ties and the salary that he is due to make?

I think Vrbata would be a good addition to this yrs Bolts, but, can't imagine what will happen if he suddenly reappears prior to training camp.

This post was written by a member of the Raw Charge community and doesn't necessarily express the views or opinions of Raw Charge staff.

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Remember that Vrbata wanted out in TB

Basically took his ball and went home. Same thing for Janne Niskala.

Vrbata signed into the wrong situation here in tampa (check out former blogger Jes Golbez critique of the situation from last year).

If Radim wanted to come back and give it a try, I don’t expect to see the lightning be vindictive and prevent him from doing so… Not unless they find him to be the wrong fit as a wing to compliment Steven Stamkos or Vincent Lecavalier.

If the Lightning could unload Vrbata, I don’t see a reason why they wouldn’t. The $6 million still owed him while he is overseas would be better saved.

I have no clue what his or his agents status is with regards to contact with Brian Lawton, Rick Tocchet or Oren Koules… But the fact remains that Vrbata asked to go home. He wasn’t told to.

The Raw Charge -- the Tampa Bay Lightning weblog at SB Nation.

by John Fontana on Jul 8, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

thanks but no thanks

I don’t want to see Vrbata in a Lightning uniform ever again. Someone forgot to tell Barrie, Koules, or Lawton or whoever wanted him that he went the last 30 some games of the season with the coyotes without a goal. Red flag anyone?

he looked lost and useless here. if he does make it back to the NHL i dont see him netting more than 15 goals a year (if that). not worth the money we signed him too. i hope he has a killer camp and we’re able to trade him for anything more than “future considerations”. (can anyone sense the hate in my tone of writing here? :) )

by AustinxBolts on Jul 8, 2009 4:57 PM EDT reply actions

Nooooooooo, can't see hate in that post at ALL! ;-) j/k

The Raw Charge -- the Tampa Bay Lightning weblog at SB Nation.

by John Fontana on Jul 8, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Jon Jordan talked to Brian Lawton

He posted a Tweet saying that Lawton has given Radim and his agent permission to find another NHL team interested in his services.

The Raw Charge -- the Tampa Bay Lightning weblog at SB Nation.

by John Fontana on Jul 8, 2009 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

Hmmmmmmmmmm… another European with wavering committment…
Is Don Cherry that far off in his assessments some times? (For those of you who get the privilege to see Hockey Night in Canada on Saturdays)

Disdain is more the feeling I am getting from your post… hatred is too strong a word to use on a hockey player…lol

by Cruisin4aBruisin on Jul 10, 2009 2:31 PM EDT reply actions