Category Archives: Tampa Bay Lightning

Yzerman said he doesn’t expect to move up from No. 3.

 

Martin St. Louis isn’t on the block

Let’s put those Martin St. Louis trade rumors to bed.

For whatever reason, the star winger’s name has been bandied about in media speculation ahead of Wednesday’s trade deadline, most recently as a possible fit for Boston, but it won’t happen.

At least not according to the GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Bolts getting calls on St. Louis

Whether or not Martin St. Louis would accept a trade out of Tampa Bay remains to be seen, but teams have expressed an interest in the Lightning star.

According to multiple sources, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has received a few calls about St. Louis

St. Louis, 37, has two-years left on his current contract, beyond this season, at an annual salary cap hit of $5.625 million.

Source: B’s target other forwards besides Iginla

Because of all those factors and Iginla’s popularity in Calgary, its believed Feaster is seeking two prospects and a first-round pick for a player that’s set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. A source indicated to CSNNE.com that the Flames are enamored with Bruins 2012 first-round pick Malcolm Subban as an heir apparent to the aging Miikka Kiprusoff in Calgary.

Given that the Bruins were discussing Alex Khokhlachev with the Dallas Stars in exchange for Morrow, a package of Subban, Khokhlachev and a first-round pick is likely in the neighborhood of what Feaster is seeking for Iginla. That’s too rich for Boston’s blood for a rental that will play roughly 10 regular season games plus a playoff run, even if Iginla is a veteran superstar hungering for a Cup that could be exactly what the Bruins are looking for.

Are Salo, Brewer and Malone available?

Contrary to what many want to think or believe, I don’t see Marty St. Louis asking to be moved. He has two more years on his contract after this season, even if the Lightning are in the middle of a transitional phase for the franchise. And I have to believe he will retire as a member of the franchise he has been with for a decade and has a job in this organization for life should he want it.

Perhaps Ryan Malone would be somebody teams take a look at, but his left shoulder injury might prevent that from happening. Maybe veteran defenseman Sami Salo, who signed a two-year deal, but he was brought in for experience, something the blue line would be lacking next season if he was to be moved. Salo also has a modified no movement clause.

Early coaching picks for the Lightning

 

Lightning fires coach Guy Boucher

The Lightning Sunday morning announced it has fired coach Guy Boucher. The final straw, obviously, was Saturday’s 5-3 loss at Ottawa in which the team, facing a crucial weekend, showed little urgency in allowing four first-period goals.

Assistants Dan Lacroix and Marty Raymond are scheduled to work behind the bench tonight at Winnipeg.

Speculation will immediately begin that former Sabres coach Lindy Ruff, who has ties to GM Steve Yzerman through Team Canada, will get the gig. AHL Syracuse coach Jon Cooper also could be a consideration, though it might be a stretch to believe Yzerman would go with another coach untested in the NHL.

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/lightning-fire-coach-guy-boucher/2110964

Would Marty St. Louis ever leave the Lightning?

Would Marty St. Louis ever leave the Lightning? Would Steve Yzerman consider trading him?

Tho notion might not be as far-fetched as you think, and as the April 3 trade deadline gets closer — and if Tampa Bay completely loses its grasp on the playoff race — expect St. Louis and the general manager to at least have a conversation about it.

Lightning to stay the course for now

“I think we’re doing a lot of things the right way to win games,” Yzerman said. “Our coverage in our own zone, we’re improving upon. The results aren’t showing up in wins and losses, but we’re hoping if we stick with the process, that will start to show up, and we hope sooner rather than later.”

That’s not to say Yzerman isn’t working the phones ahead of the April 3 trade deadline for help on the blue line, which is thin after the top four and shouldered the blame for the final goal in Saturday’s devastating 4-3 loss to the Canadiens.

“We want to make the playoffs,” he said.

So, the plan is to add to the roster rather than sell?

Jones: Lightning should trade Lecavalier

The rumor typically begins up north, usually in Montreal, then makes its way to Toronto.

Someone floats the idea in a newspaper. Then a radio show picks it up, and pretty soon it’s all over the Internet. The rumor always includes these three words:

“Vinny” and “Lecavalier” and “trade.”

Weiss Rumor

FLYERS THE LATEST TEAM TO ASK ABOUT LUONGO’S AVAILABILITY

It appears that there’s another team in the Roberto Luongo sweepstakes.

According to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post, hockey analyst and former NHL player Enrico Ciccone of TVA Sports, and confirmed by TSN’s James Duthie on Twitter, the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in acquiring the services of the veteran goaltender.

Duthie tweeted that the Flyers have inquired about the Canucks goalie, and are in a position where they could buy out current netminder Ilya Bryzgalov in June.

Trade rumours surrounding Luongo have been front and centre with this week’s announcement of a new CBA for the NHL and its players. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers have been the two teams tied most closely to potentially acquiring Luongo.

Time

The Leafs haven’t looked great so far this season, but with a little patience this team will look much better a month from now.