Lightning continue to solidify roster; re-sign Downie, ink Jones
by John Fontana on Aug 25, 2010 6:16 PM EDT
in Lightning Team News
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PrintThe Tampa Bay Lightning announced a pair of moves today -- one that people were waiting ever so impatiently for (but growing worried aobut) and a surprise move that have left some scratching their heads.
The signing of Steve Downie to a two-year contract is the one RFA signing that fans were anxiously waiting for. Steve's passion and budding offensive touch has helped increase his growing legion of fans on the Lightning... Even if he hasn't shed his bad-boy image from teh past.
The second move today has me scratching my head: signing defenseman Randy Jones to a one-year deal and increasing the number of D-men vying for a roster spot in camp.
From the press release:
Randy is a skilled defenseman, capable of playing in all situations on both the right and left side," Yzerman said. "His addition gives us some needed depth on the blue line."
It appears Randy will be part of the competition for a reserve defensive slot, as the Bolts are likely to carry eight defensemen. This raises the bar for on-the-cusp defensemen such as Matt Lashoff, Vladmir Mihalik, and even Matt Smaby. They are really going to have to prove they belong not just in the NHL but the system being employed.
Maybe the move isn't as head-scartching after all? Depth is depth. And Jones has proved he can play int he NHL...
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Does this set up a trade?
like you said if there is 3-4 guys trying to fit in one spot once camp is over it could mean someone is moved to provide depth to another organization maybe for picks in return….or is Yzerman not putting all his eggs in one basket and stocking Norfolk with the remaining Dmen and then stocking the Everblades with more of the prospects….(scratch scratch)
Needed Depth
The past 2 seasons the Bolt have suffered a number of debilitating injuries so going with 8 d-men probably is a necessity not an option. I can see where rotating in the bottom 4 guys, Lundin, Smaby, Lashoff and Jones into the last 2 d spots depending upon the opponent could have huge advantages. Perhaps you play Lashoff and Smaby against the Flyers, Rangers and Senators and go with Lundin and Jones against the Bruins, Canes and Canadiens. I don’t see the need to trade any of the guys ay Norfolk now,l though that may change at the draft next year.
Don in St Pete
I expected that rotation logic last season
But instead, the “Mandate” was in place: “If you’re healthy enough to go, you’re going”
Instead of rotating players, the Bolts kept riding the defensemen who started the night before. That includes Hedman, who looked winded by the end of the season, and Lukas Krajicek, who showed he didn’t belong by December.
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on Aug 26, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
i like it. bringing someone from the west.
ohlund kubina
hedman lundin
clark jones
smaby lashoff/mihalik
very solid. personally im sick of seeing guys thrown into spots they aren’t ready for, which has been a trend of the bolts the last few years. Ive been saying this from the beginning we need established NHL players on our roster with the exception of a few spots but unless your a top 3 pick in the draft you really shouldnt be in the NHL that year. obviously stamkos and hedman were top 3 so they make the cut but connolly is pushing it if he wants to be on the bolts. i dont think we should rush him putting him on a third line role anyway.
downie stamkos st. louis
malone vinny gagne
pouliot moore purcell
bergenheim thompson durno
kubina ohlund
hedman lundin
clark jones
smaby lashoff
ellis
smith
should be the starting roster against ATL for opening night.
I don’t think it’s the final roster… Idk, I have a feeling that Steve-Y is not done yet. But yeah, might be wrong.
I love the Lightning AND the Flyers... go ahead, preach me!
Dare to follow my childish, biased, petty and cheesy alter ego.
American Cheese, B!tch! ... #1 mission? Kill Holmgren.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. Over at BSH I got kinda laugh at’s… seems like Jones is very similar to Meszaros… turn over wise. The Flyers guys don’t deff see him as any kind of force. If I got them right, that is. I don’t know, we shall see… Butttt… #12… whoa whoa… FORGET IT DUDE! >_<
I love the Lightning AND the Flyers... go ahead, preach me!
Dare to follow my childish, biased, petty and cheesy alter ego.
American Cheese, B!tch! ... #1 mission? Kill Holmgren.
Jones may be similar to Meszaros—but he has a lot less impact on the salary cap!
by MTBoltFan on Aug 26, 2010 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What do you guys think about bringing in bill guerin? vet experience, played with some great players, can play on the 2nd or third line, still a solid player. TSN has an article saying he isnt going back with the pens. im sure we could get him for cheap and he would be a great voice in the lockerroom
For what role? Even in a leadership role — you already have great locker-room guys such as Lecavalier, St. Louis, Gagne, Ohlund. The Lightning locker room is routinely termed as one of the tighest that players have ever experienced. Everyone is close knit.
Also the top two lines are set with the signing of Downie. Adding him for the third line seems more like adding him for the sake of adding him.
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on Aug 26, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
well he would easily be able to be on our 2nd PP unit and if malone/gagne get hurt or malone just becomes invisible like he did at times last year you could throw him up there. i dont think anyone would have a problem being able to roll 3 lines if they were really all that good. purcell, moore, and guerin would be a pretty solid 3rd line in my opinion.
No on Guerin
While I love Bill’s game, I think it would send the wrong message to the young guys and players signed on 2 way deals. You want the young guys to come to camp and try to impress and to push the veterans to their highest levels. I think Y has accumulated more than enough depth. In my opinion, any upgrades that happen now should come via trade.
Don in St Pete
by Don in St Pete on Aug 26, 2010 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
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