The Newest Member of the Lightning (Probably): Alex Tanguay

The likelihood of Alex Tanguay joining the Tampa Bay Lightning has just gone up.

Here's some comments from Lightning general manager Brian Lawton about the team agreeing to a deal with wing Alex Tanguay from the team's Fan Fest.

On when the deal will be finalized:
"We have to go through the process of doing our due diligence. We're hoping to announce a completed signing early in the week."

As was posted previously, all that's left to be done is Tanguay passing a physical. His agent seems pretty positive that things will move along smoothly, however.

More after the break.

The agent for free-agent wing Alex Tanguay said his client will sign a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning after he passes a physical that will occur in Tampa on Monday or Tuesday.

"We have an agreement in principal," agent David Ettedgui said Saturday. "We're pretty happy he is with the Lightning and he's looking forward to giving his best."

Rick Tocchet  was also an assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche while Tanguay still played in Denver. So Tanguay knows what he's getting in to in that way as well. With some help from Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, Tanguay decided to play for the Lightning - and Vinny seems very pleased with the decision

"He asked me about Tampa and I told him about coming to the team and the direction it is going," Lecavalier said, and added, "Anybody that plays with a guy like Tanguay, he's such a great passer and can score. He brings a lot to the team, so I'm excited."

So, there you go. While it might not officially be a done deal, it's pretty much as good as. Welcome to the Lightning, Alex.

Now all they need is a second line right winger and they should be all set.