Well, I think we now know why the Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t go down to the wire to try and re-sign Barclay Goodrow, opting instead to deal him to the New York Rangers for a 7th-round pick in 2022. According to reports, the 28-year-old forward will sign a six-year, $3.6 million per year contract once the signing freeze ends later this week. With their cap situation, there was no way the Lightning could come close to matching that offer, nor would they be wild about signing him to that long of a deal.
If the Rangers use him correctly, Goodrow should be a strong player for them. As we’ve seen over the past two seasons, he isn’t going to provide much offensively, but at the same time, he isn’t going to be on the ice for many goals against. He is a solid third-line winger who can kill penalties with the best of them. He’ll provide a youngish New York team with some solid veteran leadership and the “warrior” mentality that impressed the Lightning coaching staff during his brief time in Tampa while his ability to suppress offense will make him a favorite of whichever goaltender is in net for the Rangers.
Did the Rangers overpay for his services? Maybe slightly, as $3.6 million is a bit higher than what he was projected to make (but hey New York is an expensive town). The big question is how will the contract age? Six years is a long time for a player who already maxes out as a third-line/bottom-six forward. Will a 33 or 34-year old Goodrow be as effective as the one we’ve watched over the past few seasons? Maybe. He doesn’t exactly rely on speed for his game so losing a step or two might not hurt his game that much. Blocking shots and throwing his body around will likely be a bit more of a deterrent to him seeing the end of that contract (see Callahan, Ryan).
Still, that’s New York’s problem. Heck, based on their history with the Lightning he’ll be their captain in two seasons and then the Rangers will trade him to Tampa Bay a year after that. Whatever happens, it’s good to see him rewarded for his success over the past two seasons.
Lightning Links
A look at the Lightning’s RFAs
They don’t get the headlines, but getting restricted free agents under reasonable contracts will be important for the Lightning as they navigate their salary cap situation over the next few seasons.
Lightning release preseason schedule
Oh look, three more games against the Panthers. Great. Well, at least one of them is in Orlando so you central Florida Bolts fans can see them without heading across I-4.
Preseason is booked 🗓
We’re taking off to Raleigh on Sept. 28 to get things going!
📝: https://t.co/pelV4LduK2 pic.twitter.com/GEjNUACOHO
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 19, 2021
Orlando and Tampa Bay renew their affiliation for two more seasons
Speaking of Orlando, the Solar Bears will continue as the Lightning’s ECHL affiliate for the next two seasons. Stability continues within the organization. I would also expect the Lightning to proactively use the Solar Bears to give some of their prospects that need more development ice time.
Nikita Kucherov continues to be the best.
Nikita Kucherov’s Private signing event in Tampa. #AreYouGoldStar? pic.twitter.com/iTi0XKC2QW
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) July 19, 2021
Hockey Highlights
A guess at which players Seattle may draft
Matt had some fun picking out a team for the Kraken based on the protected lists that were released on Sunday. The roster he put together isn’t too shabby. Is it a playoff team? Probably not, but you never know.
What if the Lightning and Senators were able to draft under current expansion rules?
The folks over at The Athletic (subscription required) had some historical fun as they allow the Lightning and Senators to choose their team based on current expansion rules. The results are…slightly better than what actually happened. It would have been fun to see Tie Domi in a Lightning uniform.
Kraken closing in on three-year contract with Florida goaltender
One of the rules of the expansion draft was that Seattle was allowed to negotiate with pending unrestricted free agents early and it appears they may have a deal with Chris Driedger, who the Panthers left unprotected. It is rumored that he will sign a three-year, $3.5 million per year deal with the Kraken. That’s not a bad deal for a potential number one goaltender. Does that mean they won’t take Carey Price? Who knows?
NHL to release schedule that includes Olympic Break
Even though there hasn’t been an agreement between all of the parties, the league is moving forward as if NHL players will be heading to China in February.
Luke Prokop is the first active NHL player under contract to come out as gay
The 19-year-old defenseman was drafted in the third round of the 2020 draft by the Nashville Predators and finished last season as an associate captain for the Calgary Hitman in the WHL. He made the decision to come out in April, letting his family and teammates know over the span of a few months. He then let Nashville Assistant GM Brian Poile know in June before letting the public know on Monday.
