Bergenheim's re-signing "will not be an easy task"
by John Fontana on Jun 14, 2011 4:30 PM EDT
in Lightning Team News
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PrintMike Corcoran of ESPN 1040 had a very brief update this afternoon regarding Sean Bergenheim and the Tampa Bay Lightning:
A source close to the situation told ESPN1040.com today that initial discussions have begun, but that "it will not be an easy task."
This is an understatement.
Steve Yzerman got Bergenheim under contract with the Lightning for a song during the 2010 NHL off-season, inking him to a one-year, $700,000 deal. His previous contract had been a 2-year, $1.75 million deal with the New York Islanders according to Capgeek.com.
The unrestricted-free-agent-to-be is due for a raise, and unless the money is something that can't be ignored, Bergenheim will have every reason to put out feelers in the open market on July 1 for his services.
And it's not just about money, it's about opportunity.
Bergenheim was a 3rd liner in Tampa Bay last season, and requested by Yzerman to play the role of the pest and agitator while also chipping in when he could. He averaged just short of 14 minutes of ice time per game during the regular season (while scorign 29 points), and just over 14 a game during the playoffs (while also catching national attention with his 9 goals during the playoffs).
If Bergenheim wants more ice time, can Tampa Bay afford him that? Does he willingly settle for the role of 3rd-line grinder, or go to the open market where he will be courted as a top-line wing?
Though the chance to play for a playoff contender might seem like a trump-all to fans, the fact is that things are not as black-and-white in reality.
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He will definitely be offered 2nd line ice time somewhere else, and I have a feeling that even if Tampa offers a similar contract, he will want to prove himself further in this league. Isberg definitely has a lot of confidence right now, and he may with more ice time. Whether he will be successful or not is to be unseen, but I don’t think he will resign in Tampa.
If #26 doesn't get retired. I'm switching teams.
I hope he’s not a greedy player—wanting an extra $500K but playing in a system where he won’t be as successful as last year.
I like him, and am hoping for his return.
"[The Lightning] are uncanny. When they want to get a goal, it's like they just snap their fingers or hit a button. They just dial it up. You can see it. It's like they flip a switch. When they are down, it's just like they think, 'we know we are going to score.' I don't know what it is, it leaves [the opposition] flabbergasted." - Mike Knuble, 3 May 2011
I’m apparently in the minority, but I think he’ll be back. I think playing for a team that wanted him when the Islanders didn’t, and gave him a chance to shine, is going to mean more in the end than minutes and money. But, maybe I’m just a sentimental softie like that, I don’t know.
Of course, it also depends on how much influence his agent has over him, too.
Win or lose, I'm proud of these guys.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community. Follow me on Twitter: @dagmar27.
by Cassie McClellan on Jun 15, 2011 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions
When I bring up the fact I am skeptical on Bergenheim’s return, I speak from experience. 2005 experience.
Lockout ends, There’s a quick period of free-agent movement. The Lightning wanted very much to bring back Nikolai Khabibulin, who had his option-year wiped out because of the lockout. What happened? The Lightning made a solid offer and Khabibulin took the money from Chicago instead. Though he ha a better chance of winning in Tampa. Chicago, at that point in time, was still the Wirtz-led awful that they had been for decades.
I like Sean, but the truth is he (and others signed to a one-year deal as UFA’s) tend to come here to try to boost their value on the market. They don’t sign because they are looking to start a new life. Not with a one-year deal.
Typing is an adventure, and reading should be, too!
Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on Jun 15, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope like Cassie, but am fearful like John.
"[The Lightning] are uncanny. When they want to get a goal, it's like they just snap their fingers or hit a button. They just dial it up. You can see it. It's like they flip a switch. When they are down, it's just like they think, 'we know we are going to score.' I don't know what it is, it leaves [the opposition] flabbergasted." - Mike Knuble, 3 May 2011
this is the one signing where i think we win if he signs elsewhere. blair jones can fill his spot, and with confidence put the puck occasionally in the net. purcell is integral, but bergenheims statements already put his ego above this teams mantra. is he due a raise, yes, but lets not get too full of yourself. this gm, coach and team handled him perfectly, i dont see other teams utilizing him like he needs to be, rather than how he thinks he should be
by Danny Dodge on Jun 15, 2011 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
As An Isles Fan...
Sean is a notoriously streaky player. I’d bet that Yzerman knows this and the contract will reflect it. Sean needs to prove himself over the course of at least one season. My worry for you guys (and I like your team) is that his playoff performance was one of his peaks, and not indicative of his overall play. I absolutely would not consider him a top 6 forward, though; not on a team with any real depth.
Great take—and I think that will be why he probably won’t be back in Tampa. I get the feeling his agent is trying to get him a payday for his flash-in-the-pan performance this year, and I think Yzerman is smart enough to know better.
I’ll miss Bergie on our team.
"[The Lightning] are uncanny. When they want to get a goal, it's like they just snap their fingers or hit a button. They just dial it up. You can see it. It's like they flip a switch. When they are down, it's just like they think, 'we know we are going to score.' I don't know what it is, it leaves [the opposition] flabbergasted." - Mike Knuble, 3 May 2011
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