Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Hedman skates for first time since concussion

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November 11

St. Petersburg Times

"Victor Hedman practiced Monday at the Ice Sports Forum and was to see a doctor to determine if his brain activity is normal. The Lightning defenseman had not skated since sustaining a mild concussion Thursday from a ferocious check from Ottawa's Chris Neil. But even if all signs are good, coach Rick Tocchet said, Hedman may not play Thursday against the Wild. "I'd take the safer side if he felt pretty good," Tocchet said. "To me, he would have to feel real good. I don't know if pretty good will get him in the lineup, especially at this stage of his career and this stage of the season. If it was April, playoff game, pretty good might be enough." Hedman, 18, second on the team with an ..."

Hedman skates for first time since concussion

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November 10

St. Petersburg Times

"Victor Hedman practiced Monday at the Ice Sports Forum and was to see a doctor to determine if his brain activity is normal. The Lightning defenseman had not skated since sustaining a mild concussion Thursday from a ferocious check from Ottawa's Chris Neil. But even if all signs are good, coach Rick Tocchet said, Hedman may not play Thursday against the Wild. "I'd take the safer side if he felt pretty good," Tocchet said. "To me, he would have to feel real good. I don't know if pretty good will get him in the lineup, especially at this stage of his career and this stage of the season. If it was April, playoff game, pretty good might be enough." Hedman, 18, second on the team with an ..."

Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa

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October 30

Toronto Sun

"The Maple Leafs could get a large offensive boost on Tuesday night. Phil Kessel is almost done recovering from shoulder surgery and could make his Leafs debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Air Canada Centre. "(There's) a good chance of it, yeah," Leafs coach Ron Wilson said on Thursday afternoon after the Leafs practised at a suburban Buffalo arena. Kessel didn't say much as he was hustled to the team bus by a Leafs staff member, but acknowledged he has been cleared for physical play in practice. As for suiting up versus Tampa, the 22-year-old took a wait-and-see approach. "It's a few days away," Kessel said. "I'll see how it feels. I don't know yet.""

'09 top draft picks make the cut, staying in NHL

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October 29

NHL.com

"Six players taken in the 2009 Entry Draft made their NHL team's opening-night roster. Making the League is one thing; staying there is another. But for the special six from this June's draft, they all passed their first major test. John Tavares (No. 1, Islanders), Victor Hedman (No. 2, Lightning), Matt Duchene (No. 3, Colorado), Evander Kane (No. 4, Thrashers), Dmitry Kulikov (No. 14, Panthers) and Ryan O'Reilly (No. 33, Avalanche) haven't all passed the 10-game threshold, but all have been told that they should look into permanent housing. Teams have nine games to evaluate their teenage prospects before having to make a decision on whether to keep them -- and activate their entry-level ..."

Mike Smith sore but recovering after 'small truck' hit

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October 11

St. Petersburg Times

"Mike Smith described his injury as general soreness and stiffness, and said he could have played Saturday without consequence. Coach Rick Tocchet agreed and said his decision to start Antero Niittymaki against the Hurricanes "wasn't because (Smith) is hurt. I wanted to play Niitty. It's Niitty's turn." Still, it sounded as if Smith, who said he thought his back was broken Thursday against the Devils when he was run over by New Jersey's Jamie Langen"

Lightning send three players to AHL affiliate Norfolk

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October 1

Tampa Tribune

"The Tampa Bay Lightning assigned defensemen Mike Lundin and Matt Lashoff to Norfolk of the American Hockey League today, the team said Wednesday in a press release. The Lightning released both players on Tuesday, then sent them to their minor league affiliate the after they cleared waivers. Tampa Bay also signed free agent left wing Mitch Fritz to a one-year contract Wednesday and sent him to Norfolk. Lundin, 25, played in four games with the Lightning during the preseason, recording one assist and an even rating. He has played in 106 career NHL games, all with Tampa Bay, registering eight assists. Lundin represented Tampa Bay at the 2008 NHL YoungStars Game. Last season he played in 51 ..."

Oren Koules might have real estate investor interested in investing in Tampa Bay

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September 10

St. Petersburg Times

"Another potential player has emerged in the Lightning's ongoing ownership saga. Jeff Greene, a real estate investor Forbes magazine says is worth $1.3 billion, could become part of Oren Koules' effort to buy out partner Len Barrie. Whether, when or the parameters of how Greene might invest are unclear, especially considering recent reports in Canada's Globe and Mail that Koules is doing a solo deal with Palace Sports"

Report: Koules in position to take control of Lightning

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September 3

Tampa Tribune

"Oren Koules appears to be moving closer to taking majority control of the Tampa Bay Lightning. According to a report in the Toronto Globe and Mail on Wednesday, Koules is finalizing a proposal to submit to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to gain control of co-owner Len Barrie's share of the team. Koules is close to securing increased financing through previous team owner Palace Sports and Entertainment, the report said. The Globe previously reported Barrie has sent a letter to Bettman informing the league he will not be able to buy out Koules, though Barrie denied it. Barrie declined to comment on the latest report other than to say, "I stand by what I said,'' referring to a comment Tuesday ..."

Report: Alex Tanguay, Lightning agree to terms of deal

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August 29

St. Petersburg Times

"The Lightning has been looking for a top-six forward, and it appears the team found one. Left wing Alex Tanguay, 29, and the Lightning agreed to terms of a contract pending a physical, Canadian media outlet RDS reported late Friday. TSN, a Canadian sports Web site, said the two sides have been in negotiations since July but it was not until two weeks ago when Tanguay was contacted by Lightning stars Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis that he decided to join the team. The 6-foot, 192-pound Tanguay was sidelined 28 games with a shoulder injury last season with the Canadiens. He finished with 16 goals and 25 assists."

Report: Tanguay to sign with Bolts

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August 29

Tampa Tribune

"The Lightning appeared to have jumped back into the free agent pool and landed a former All-Star. A report by French television website RDS.ca and sister station TSN out of Toronto stated that Tampa Bay has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with free agent left wing Alex Tanguay pending a physical. Tanguay missed 30 games last season with a shoulder injury suffered, ironically, against the Lightning in December. The deal could be announced as soon as Saturday's during the team's Fan Fest event, although it's not expected to be official until early next week after Tanguay undergoes an examination by team doctors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed and a message left for the ..."

Tanguay passes on Wild

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August 29

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Wild waited patiently for free-agent winger Alex Tanguay to make a decision on his future, and it appears that decision has been made. Canada's RDS reported Friday night that Tanguay has agreed to terms with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sources said Friday morning that the Wild hadn't budged on a one-year, $2.5 million offer -- the max it could legitimately offer the playmaker and still be comfortably under the $56.8 million salary cap ceiling -- but the Wild continued to talk to both Tanguay and his agent. Agent Ritch Winter, who could not be reached for comment Friday, said last week that Tanguay, 29, was doing as much homework as possible so he could determine the best situation. Tampa ..."

Real estate mogul looks into possibility of joining Len Barrie to own Tampa Bay

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August 22

St. Petersburg Times

"Anthony Sansone Jr. would not say when he will decide whether to try to join Len Barrie as an owner of the Lightning. He also declined to identify the "very substantial" financial investment entity he would bring with him. But the St. Louis real estate mogul offered this Friday: "We're certainly in the advance stages of due diligence. There's a lot that has to be done and a lot that has to be handicapped." The process can't move fast enough for Barrie, in the midst of a league-mandated 60-day window to buy out co-owner Oren Koules, with whom he has been squabbling. If Barrie fails by what is thought to be a mid-September deadline, Koules will get a chance to buy out Barrie. If Koules ..."

NHL sets buyout plan for feuding co-owners of Tampa Bay

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August 9

St. Petersburg Times

"The NHL apparently has decided the Lightning's ownership situation is unsustainable and set up a process in which squabbling co-owners Len Barrie and Oren Koules can buy each other out. Barrie has the first shot in an exclusive 60-day window that apparently runs out in mid to late September. If Barrie fails, Koules gets his chance. Purchase price is not the only issue. The parties also must prove they can handle the substantial debt obligations to former owner Palace Sports"

Lightning, defenseman Smaby hope to avoid arbitration

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July 21

Tampa Tribune

"Lightning general manager Brian Lawton made progress during a meeting with the agent for defenseman Matt Smaby on Monday in Minnesota, in hopes of hammering out a deal before next week's arbitration hearing. Lawton had lunch with Minneapolis-based agent Ben Hankinson to continue negotiations before a scheduled arbitration hearing on July 28 in Toronto. Smaby is believed to be seeking a one-way contract, which would pay the 24-year-old defenseman the same amount of money whether he played at the NHL level or in the minor leagues. The differences don't appear to be about dollar figures. "No deal yet, but we are moving forward and there is some common ground that we agree upon,'' Hankinson ..."

Tampa Bay Lightning has no interest in returning right wing Radim Vrbata

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July 10

St. Petersburg Times

"The agent for Lightning right wing Radim Vrbata said his client "100 percent" wants to return to the NHL next season after playing much of 2008-09 in the Czech Republic. "He's an NHL player," Rich Evans said. "He wants to play in the best league in the world." But general manager Brian Lawton said Vrbata is not in Tampa Bay's plans - "There won't be a roster spot for him." - and gave Evans permission to work out a trade. If Vrbata, owed $6 million over the next two seasons, can't be moved, he will play for AHL Norfolk, Lawton said. Vrbata, 28, would be paid his $3 million salary, but it would not count against the salary cap. Last season was a strange and disappointing one for Vrbata, ..."

Tampa Bay Lightning, rest of NHL start shopping today

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July 1

St. Petersburg Times

"Does the Lightning spend money or pull back? Does the ownership squabble between Oren Koules and Len Barrie paralyze, or are egos put aside for the good of the team? We'll find out today as free agency begins at noon. "I feel great about it," general manager Brian Lawton said. "We have a crystal clear direction. We've got a firm plan we think addresses our needs and will move the team forward." The Lightning has clear needs: one, or perhaps two, defensemen, a backup goalie and maybe even a scoring wing to play with Vinny Lecavalier. On defense, a mentor for 18-year-old draft choice Victor Hedman is a good idea, and fellow Swede Mattias Ohlund might fit the bill. He plays a dependable ..."

Bolts will take a cautious approach to free agency

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July 1

Tampa Tribune

"Last year, Lightning ownership dived into the free-agent pool headfirst, hoping to make a big splash. Unfortunately, the plunge came from a big, old belly flop that could have rippling effects heading into today's start of free agency. Though the team signed what seemed to be every available free agent last season, the Lightning fell flat on the ice, finishing 29th overall and with a worse record than the previous season. Add in the firing of their head coach 16 games into the season, a revolving door of player moves and now a squabble between owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie that required mediation by Commissioner Gary Bettman, and it might just leave potential free agents looking ..."

Stud centre tops Habs' wish list

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June 26

Montreal Gazette

"The National Hockey League entry draft is centre stage at the Bell Centre, but Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey said he hopes to steal the show with a trade that would fill the team's need for a big centre. "It hasn't been a secret that we've always been in the market for a big, strong, first-line centre and wherever that player may be, that's where we'll be looking," Gainey said yesterday during an informal gathering to discuss the Canadiens' plans for the draft, which begins tonight (7 p.m., TSN, RDS) with the first-round selections. "I think it's going to require some patience, maybe a little bit of luck. We feel we have some of the assets needed to put a deal together if we have a ..."

Lightning star Vinny Lecavalier to keep his mind off trade talk

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June 25

St. Petersburg Times

"Every year, Vinny Lecavalier said, he and his buddies have a guys weekend away from their hometown of Montreal. Just so happens this year's trip coincides with the Friday-Saturday NHL draft at the Bell Centre. Coincidence? The Lightning captain laughed. "It's a plan I do with my friends," he said. "We leave town and play golf or something." Coincidence or not, hitting the links has to be better than being bombarded at home while trade rumors swirl on television and the Internet and in the papers as Canadiens fans hope Lecavalier is dealt to their team. Thing is, after Tuesday's meeting between commissioner Gary Bettman and feuding Lightning co-owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie, the ..."

Esposito: "Don't trade Vinny for money"

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June 23

Tampa Tribune

"The concern in Phil Esposito's voice was palpable. The Lightning founder, who selected Vincent Lecavalier with the first pick in the 1998 NHL draft, spoke Tuesday about his fear that Tampa Bay is about to trade its captain and franchise cornerstone for all the wrong reasons. "I wanted Vinny to be our Stevie Yzerman, a top guy who would remain with the organization his entire career," said Esposito, who serves as the Lightning's radio analyst for home broadcasts. "You treat a player like that with loyalty and respect because you know all the other players are watching. It's not Vinny's fault that they're overpaying him. Vinny has kept his mouth shut through all this turmoil." Co-owners Oren ..."

After the Big 3, it's open season

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June 21

Toronto Sun

"No curve balls are expected from the pitchers throwing out the first three names at the NHL draft. There's a slim chance the pitchers could change -- the Islanders, Lightning and Avalanche may yet be overwhelmed by a trade offer for their first pick on Friday night -- but a much better bet is they will choose John Tavares, Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene, respectively. "The first three picks have separated themselves," says Michael Oke, the chief scout for International Scouting Services. "Then, the next five to seven, everybody has a different opinion (as to where they'll go), but everybody thinks they'll be there." In putting together a mock draft for Sun Media, Oke and ISS director of ..."

Is Vinny staying or going?

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June 21

Tampa Tribune

"Where has all the Vinny Lecavalier chatter gone? It seems only recently Lecavlier's name was all the rage in trade rumor circuits, with the Lightning captain's new 11-year, $85 million contract extension, which includes a no-movement clause, to begin on July 1. But as the NHL draft approaches Friday and Saturday, the volume has been turned down to a low murmur on message boards and Web sites in regard to Lecavalier's situation. Even Lightning general manager Brian Lawton's phone has not been ringing out of its holster. "It's been reasonably quiet around here," Lawton said of trade talk from his Tampa office on Friday. "We've had some calls, but nothing I would consider serious." While most ..."

Tampa Bay Lightning inclined to keep No. 2 pick in June NHL draft, for now

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May 25

St. Petersburg Times

"The Lightning, for now, seems more inclined to keep the No. 2 overall draft pick than trade it. GM Brian Lawton has said he is open to at least listening to offers, and things undoubtedly will get hot and heavy at the draft, June 26-27 in Montreal. Still, it appears Tampa Bay has more to gain by standing pat. Consider Lawton's goal of building the team's "foundation." Choosing Victor Hedman, reported to be the best Swedish defenseman since Nicklas Lidstrom, would be a good start. Taking C John Tavares if Hedman, the preferred choice, is not there wouldn't be bad, either. Tampa Bay wants to contain costs. Signing either to a rookie contract that pays $900,000 a season, excluding bonuses, ..."

Lightning sign young center Faddon from WHL

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May 14

Tampa Tribune

"The Tampa Bay Lightning signed center Mitch Fadden to a standard, three-year rookie contract on Wednesday, general manager Brian Lawton announced. "We are excited for Mitch to begin his professional career next season," Lawton said. "He had multiple 30-goal seasons in the WHL and is also responsible in his own end. Mitch adds depth to our organization at the center position." The 21-year-old Fadden (6-0, 175) played in 63 games last season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League. He recorded 37 goals and 76 points, including 14 power-play goals. A native of Salmon Arm, B.C., Fadden led Tri-City in playoff points (16) and was tied for the lead ..."

Leafs GM calls trade rumour 'absurd'

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May 13

Toronto Sun

"In a flash, Brian Burke squashed trade speculation involving the Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday. Toronto's general manager didn't pull any punches -- not that he ever does -- when asked about the Lightning's request for defenceman Luke Schenn and Tomas Kaberle and the Leafs' first-round pick, seventh overall, in the NHL entry draft in exchange for the second pick overall. "The concept is absurd," Burke said in an e-mail. "I have said so to Luke, and am trying to reach Kabba to tell him the same." Burke reiterated that he wants to move up in the draft to give himself a true shot at selecting goal-machine John Tavares. Burke will have to come up with some crafty moves ..."

Burke denies Tampa trade talk

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May 13

Toronto Sun

"Brian Burke went into quash mode Tuesday morning. The Maple Leafs general manager shot down a rumour that he would send the Leafs' seventh overall pick in the NHL entry draft in June to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second pick overall and right winger Ryan Malone. The catch is Malone is under contract through the 2014-15 season at a salary cap hit of $4.5-million US a season for each of the next six years. "I have no comment," Burke said. "It certainly has not been discussed at our end." A source in Tampa also scuttled the speculation. "I would be shocked if that was the case," a source said. "The Lightning plan to keep the second pick. They really want (defenceman Victor) Hedman." The ..."

Burke scoffs at Tampa trade talk

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May 12

Toronto Sun

"Brian Burke went into quash mode on Tuesday. The Maple Leafs general manager shot down a rumour that he would send the Leafs' seventh overall pick in the NHL entry draft next month to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second pick overall and right winger Ryan Malone. The catch is Malone is under contract through the 2014-15 season at a salary cap hit of $4.5-million US for each of the next six years. "I have no comment," Burke said. "It certainly has not been discussed at our end." Two sources in Tampa also scuttled the speculation. "I would be shocked if that was the case," one source said. And about this request from the Lightning that Burke send it defencemen Luke Schenn and Tomas Kaberle ..."

Tocchet deal expected before Bolts' town hall meeting

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May 11

Tampa Tribune

"Lightning fans have the opportunity tonight to voice their opinions and concerns straight to the team's decision-makers. Tampa Bay co-owner Oren Koules, general manager Brian Lawton and coach Rick Tocchet will be available to answer questions during a town hall assembly at the St. Pete Times Forum beginning at 7. Before that, the team is expected to announce Tocchet has been signed to a new three-year contract, officially removing the interim tag from his title. The Lightning have announced a 4 p.m. press conference today at Icons Restaurant at the Forum to make a "coaching announcement." Koules, Lawton and Tocchet will be on hand for that, as well. Tocchet took over on an interim basis ..."

New Lightning contract for Tocchet

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May 11

Sportsnet.ca

"The Tampa Bay Ligtning will hold a press conference Monday afternoon to announce a new three-year deal for head coach Rick Tocchet, sources tell Sportsnet. Tocchet took over the Lightning as interim coach in November when the club fired Barry Melrose after a 5-7-4 record. The Scarborough, Ontario native had joined the Tampa staff as an assistant in the off-season after spending much of the last decade in the same role with Colorado and Phoenix. Tocchet had joined the Bolts only months after serving a league ban for his involvement in a betting ring during his time with the Coyotes. His suspension ended in February of 2008 and he was placed on probation when the league concluded that his ..."

Lecavalier stays put ... for now

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May 9

Montreal Gazette

"In the debate whether the Tampa Bay Lightning should trade star centre Vinny Lecavalier, Len Barrie's position is clear: the co-owner wants him in a Tampa Bay uniform. "He's a generational player," Barrie said Wednesday. "Why wouldn't you want a player like that?" So a deal would have to be a clear win for him to get on board? "I didn't say that," Barrie said. "I said he's a generational player. He's one of the top five players in the league when he's healthy. You never say never, but am I waiting for it? No." It was an interesting exchange given one of the Lightning's main considerations before the June draft is whether to build around Lecavalier, 29, or remake the team with what the ..."

Lecavalier stays put ... for now

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May 8

Montreal Gazette

"In the debate whether the Tampa Bay Lightning should trade star centre Vinny Lecavalier, Len Barrie's position is clear: the co-owner wants him in a Tampa Bay uniform. "He's a generational player," Barrie said Wednesday. "Why wouldn't you want a player like that?" So a deal would have to be a clear win for him to get on board? "I didn't say that," Barrie said. "I said he's a generational player. He's one of the top five players in the league when he's healthy. You never say never, but am I waiting for it? No." It was an interesting exchange given one of the Lightning's main considerations before the June draft is whether to build around Lecavalier, 29, or remake the team with what the ..."

Keeping Lecavalier might depend on getting investors

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May 7

St. Petersburg Times

"In the debate whether the Lightning should trade star center Vinny Lecavalier, Len Barrie's position is clear: The co-owner wants him in a Tampa Bay uniform. "He's a generational player," Barrie said Wednesday. "Why wouldn't you want a player like that?" So a deal would have to be a clear win for him to get on board? "I didn't say that," Barrie said. "I said he's a generational player. He's one of the top five players in the league when he's healthy. You never say never, but am I waiting for it? No." It was an interesting exchange given one of the Lightning's main considerations before the June draft is whether to build around Lecavalier, 29, or remake the team with what the four-time ..."

Bolts, Tocchet make progress in contract talks

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May 2

Tampa Tribune

"Rick Tocchet and Lightning general manager Brian Lawton are progressing toward a new contract that would remove Tocchet's "interim'' tag as head coach and place him behind the Tampa Bay bench this fall. Lawton and Tocchet met Thursday evening and an official announcement could come next week. Tocchet took over 16 games into the season after the Lightning fired Barry Melrose. Though the team was 19-33-14 and won only one of its final 10 games under Tocchet, the players seemed to respond to his coaching style. While trade rumors continue to swirl around Vincent Lecavalier, the New York Post is suggesting Rangers coach John Tortorella will make a big push to acquire Martin St. Louis from ..."

Could this be Burke's plot aimed at Tavares?

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April 18

Toronto Star

columnist Damien Cox

"So here's the scorecard so far. Two wins, one loss, one still up for grabs, one long shot in progress. That's where Brian Burke stands in his effort to use every and any means necessary to find hockey players for his Maple Leafs. The wins were U.S. collegians Christian Hanson and Tyler Bozak, both of whom signed with the club earlier this month as free agents. The loss was Hobey Baker Award-winning defenceman Matt Gilroy, who inked a two-year, $3.5 million contract with the New York Rangers yesterday. So of the top three NCAA stars, the Leafs got two. Not bad."

Burke eyes draft dance partners

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April 16

Globe and Mail

"Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke may have found two willing partners in his effort to trade up in the NHL entry draft in June and land budding superstar John Tavares. New York Islanders GM Garth Snow and Tampa Bay Lightning counterpart Brian Lawton, who hold the Nos. 1 and 2 picks, respectively, in the 2009 draft, have both said they are at least willing to discuss a trade with Burke. Snow could not be reached for comment yesterday, but has indicated to reporters on Long Island that he will listen to any pitch for the team's first-overall selection. Lawton said the same thing yesterday - although he would not reveal if he is leaning toward keeping or trading the second pick. ..."

Burke playing dial-a-deal

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April 16

Toronto Star

"Neither the New York Islanders nor the Tampa Bay Lightning have closed the door on trading the top two picks in June's NHL entry draft. So Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will continue trying to barge his way through in his pursuit of star centre John Tavares, the projected first overall pick. Burke, as he promised he would, has already started contacting teams above Toronto in the draft pecking order in an attempt to move up from the seventh slot. And he shows no signs of backing away from targeting Tavares."

Former Lightning GM interested in Avs job

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April 15

Denver Post

"Jay Feaster, who won a Stanley Cup as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, is greatly interested in becoming the next G.M. of the Avalanche.

"I contacted Pierre Lacroix and told him I would be very interested," Feaster said Wednesday.

Feaster resigned as Lightning GM last summer, and spent the past year scouting at Lightning games and did freelance writing for The Hockey News.

Feaster has a previous connection with the Avalanche - a factor that could be of great advantage to him; he was the G.M. of the Hershey Bears, the Avalanche's former American Hockey League affiliate, and worked closely with Lacroix on personnel matters regarding the Bears."

Lightning to strip 'interim' from Tocchet's title

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April 12

St. Petersburg Times

"Isn't it time we got on with this Rick Tocchet thing? Nothing against the process that certainly can hit snags because business keeps people occupied or on the road, but shouldn't the coach's interim title been taken away already? We certainly haven't heard anything but glowing reports from the team about the job Tocchet has done, and do not let his 19-33-14 record fool you. Facing a flood of injuries, a lack of organizational depth that forced the team to play with what really was a minor-league defense and a roster in upheaval that included 50 players and an NHL-record 22 blue liners, Tocchet, 45, has done everything asked in an impossible situation. And the working relationship among ..."

Tocchet Gets Vote Of Confidence From GM

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March 24

Tampa Tribune

"Lightning coach Rick Tocchet apparently will finish the season with "interim" in his title, but it sounds like he'll be back if General Manager Brian Lawton gets to make the call. Lawton has been saying for awhile that he likes what he has seen from the man who was promoted when Barry Melrose was unexpectedly fired Nov. 14, and Monday, he said he's done a "great job" in a trying season. "I am extremely pleased with him, as I have been, really, from the start," Lawton said in his office. "He's doing it under difficult circumstances. There's no about that, with all the different things that have transpired for our club." The Lightning have the second-worst record in the NHL at 23-33-16 (62 ..."

Tocchet nearing new Lightning deal

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March 8

Sportsnet.ca

"Rick Tocchet is nearing an extension as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, sources tell Sportsnet, and a deal could be finalized sometime next week. Tocchet took over the Lightning as interim coach in November when the club fired Barry Melrose after a 5-7-4 record. The Scarborough, Ontario native joined the Tampa staff as an assistant in the off-season after spending much of the last decade in the same role with Colorado and Phoenix. Tocchet had joined the Bolts only months after serving a league ban for his involvement in a betting ring during his time with the Coyotes. His suspension ended in February of 2008 and he was placed on probation when the league concluded that his ..."

Oilers staying mum on swaps

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March 4

Edmonton Journal

"The Edmonton Oilers management team entered the cone of silence before today's NHL trade deadline. No loose lips. No daily press briefings. So, we're not sure who or where they're looking to get a forward who might be able to score a goal. They only have two forwards (Ales Hemsky and Erik Cole) with more than 15 goals. HERE'S AN EDUCATED GUESS WHERE THEY'RE LOOKING: 1. Winger/centre Chris Higgins in Montreal. He was once untouchable, thought to be the next captain if Saku Koivu left. They wouldn't give him up to get Marian Hossa last season, apparently. His star has dimmed after an injury-plagued season. His Group 2 (restricted) contract ends in July. He's only making $1.75 million. He's ..."

Deadline sellers unlikely to see big returns

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March 4

Toronto Star

"More and more, today's trade deadline appears to be a prelude to that which lies ahead. To a significant degree, much of what we'll see today – or don't see today – is the direct result of 30 clubs trying to forecast the future in terms of where the industry is heading and, in particular, where the salary cap may be headed. In fact, there were moves yesterday that were indicators of what teams are thinking. Nicklas Backstrom signed a new contract to be the starting goaltender with the Minnesota Wild, and the salary was significant, an average of $6 million per season."

GMs go down to the wire

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March 4

Toronto Star

"Coffee brewed, scouting charts laid out, and lists of wants and needs neatly organized, the general managers of the NHL's 30 teams will meet in boardrooms across North America this morning prior to the trade deadline. Around them will be their confidantes, assistants and scouting directors ready to dial phones, buzz the BlackBerrys, text the messages and e the mail. Reputations will be carved, saviours will be anointed, nerves will be frayed, and regrets – there'll be a few. If things begin as normal, the morning will go slowly from a public perspective: Perhaps a few fourth liners, or fifth defender for some low-round picks as selling GMs try to talk up the price to the buyers. Behind ..."

Tampa Bay Lightning places Gary Roberts on waivers

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March 4

St. Petersburg Times

"All things being equal, Gary Roberts said, he would have liked to have been told before he was put on waivers that it was going to happen. "That could have been handled differently," the Lightning left wing said. "But I understand at this time of year, they have a lot of guys to worry about, and things happen in a hurry." And all of a sudden, the end of a 21-year perhaps Hall of Fame career is racing toward him. Roberts, 42, has said this will be his last season. If he is not claimed at noon today, and Tampa Bay cannot make a trade in the remaining three hours until the deadline, his last season will be spent playing for pride rather than a second Stanley Cup title. Nothing against the ..."

GM Lawton Expects A Busy Day

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March 4

Tampa Tribune

"Lightning general manager Brian Lawton planned to head home at some point Tuesday night, but he didn't plan to get much sleep. Tampa Bay's rookie GM plans to walk back through his office door sometime before sunrise this morning in preparation for today's 3 p.m. trade deadline. Judging from how busy Lawton said his phone has been the past few days, he expects to be active in his first trade deadline experience. "I think we've got the potential to be very active," Lawton said before Tuesday's game. "We had the potential to be active Tuesday but we are tight on our guys, we are not looking to give them away. If people want to make an offer that is going to move our organization forward, then ..."

NHL general managers gear up for Wednesday's trading deadline

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March 4

Los Angeles Times

"NHL general managers began trying to clear salary cap space today for possible trades, as several teams placed prominent players on waivers and others held tradable players out of the final games before Wednesday's trade deadline of noon Pacific time. The Ducks waived disappointing center Brendan Morrison, eager to shed his $2.75-million salary and gain financial flexibility. But it appears unlikely they will deal defenseman Chris Pronger, barring the emergence of a last-minute trading partner willing to give up a young, front-line player and assume Pronger's $6.25-million salary next season. With the Ducks still competing for a playoff spot, a more likely scenario would be that they will ..."

Tampa Bay Lightning veterans face possible trade as deadline nears

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March 3

St. Petersburg Times

"It may be time to move again. Wings Mark Recchi and Gary Roberts are the likeliest Lightning players to be traded by Wednesday's 3 p.m. deadline. For Recchi, it would mean a sixth team since 2003-04; for Roberts, a fifth. But it also could mean one last run at a Stanley Cup title. "I want to be respectful to this organization," Roberts said. "But for me to have an opportunity one more time to play in the playoffs before I retire, I would be excited." This is what happens at the trade deadline. Teams such as Tampa Bay that are out of the postseason deal with playoff-bound teams wanting to add grit, leadership or an offensive spark. The return: building blocks. For the Lightning, that ..."

Let's make a deal

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March 3

Vancouver Sun

"The Canucks seem set with their top two forward lines, but with Kyle Wellwood and Mason Raymond struggling, GM Mike Gillis could be looking to upgrade his third line before Wednesday's trade deadline. Here are some possible replacement parts Gillis might consider from teams looking to deal: C Marty Reasoner, Atlanta: He's plus-nine on a terrible team and has chipped in with 10 goals and 23 points. His contract, worth $1 million this season, is up this summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. C Steve Reinprecht, Phoenix: He, too, becomes unrestricted this summer but comes with a bigger price tag. Reinprecht, who has 10 goals and 31 points this season, is making $2 million. C Jeff ..."

Recchi possible option for Oilers?

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March 3

Edmonton Journal

"The Edmonton Oilers may have little choice but to travel the rental route to pick up a scoring forward by Wednesday's NHL trade deadline. Mark Recchi, who has won two Stanley Cups, may be 41 but he's looking better and better as he's got with more points (45) than any Oilers forward but Ales Hemsky. Recchi, who has 1,426 career points, had five assists in the Lightning's 8-6 win over the Calgary Flames on Sunday, the most assists any Tampa player has ever racked up. "The teams know I can do it. I'm not that far from it (winning a Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in '06, against the Oilers)," said Recchi, who also won a ring with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991. Rentals aside, there are ..."

Deadline approaching for Hawks

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March 3

Chicago Tribune

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"The trade deadline is Wednesday afternoon, and coach Joel Quenneville reiterated he wouldn't mind adding a second- or third-line center if general manager Dale Tallon can pull off a deal. "The one area that if we could ... it would be nice to add some help down the middle, be it for faceoffs or for some experience," Quenneville said. Players who could fill the bill include Anaheim's Samuel Pahlsson, although he's currently sidelined with mononucleosis; Nashville's Radek Bonk, out at least another week with a wrist injury; Toronto's Dominic Moore; Colorado's Ian Laperriere, or Tampa Bay's Jeff Halpern. Other centers rumored to be on the market include Phoenix's Olli Jokinen and Dallas' ..."

Lightning Trade Rumors