I was surprised as everyone else when I learned Brad Lukowich is a Unrestricted Free Agent (more than half way down on the page). The Lightning declined to make a qualifying offer for his services – hoping to bring him back at a lower sum instead.
But let’s also tack on the fact Nolan Pratt will have the option of walking this week as he has the service time to become a UFA if he so elects (as does Andre Roy). With Lukowich up for grabs and Pratt having the option to test the open market, the Lightning defense suddenly takes quite a hit.
There are only 3 defensiveman under contract. Negotiations are ongoing with Dan Boyle’s agent but there is still quite a hole.
Also compound the fact Jassen Cullimore left for Chicago before the Lockout and you already have a defense that is suddenly lacking veteran talent.
The Lightning do have young options in players like Mike Egener, Andreas Holmqvist, Gerard Dicaire and Andy Rogers — but the team would certainly prefer to have these players as depth and brought along slowly – not suddenly forced to step in and fill the shoes vacated by men who won the Stanley Cup.
Also with the goaltending question — Is Nik gone? Is Grahame the man now? — you want to make sure to have a strong defense in front of the net to give whomever the netminder is and easier job.
18 million dollars in cap room — with Vinny, Marty, Dan and possibly Nik to sign… That Cap is suddenly starting to feel tighter.
