Lightning Trade Rumors

"But Emery, who turns 26 in the fall, has done little to build up goodwill around the league. He's only played 134 NHL games and he's coming off a pedestrian 12-13-4 record with a 3.13 average and .890 save percentage. Here's the usual trade suspects: Tampa, Los Angeles, St. Louis."

"In short, he pretty much has all the credentials Senators general manager Bryan Murray says he's looking for in a coach to take over his dysfunctional club. That makes Tortorella perhaps the most colourful possibility among a group of candidates that also includes fellow veteran coaches Bob Hartley, Pat Burns, Pat Quinn, and Terry Murray, Bryan's brother."

"Not sure how many caught this little nugget coming out of the Satellite Hot Stove segment on CBC Saturday night during the second intermission of the Montreal-Philadelphia game, but Al Strachan, who works for the Sun Media outlets in Canada, stated that John Tortorella will be fired as head coach once Oren Koules gains control of the team... But the stunner was to hear that Barry Melrose, who has all of three years of NHL coaching experience and none since the 1994-95 season with Los Angeles, is Koules’ first choice for the team’s new coach."

"Lightning coach John Tortorella has a big birthday in June, and for the longest time I wondered if getting fired was on his things-to-do-before-he's-50 list. Apparently it isn't. Tortorella has thought it over and decided the Lightning don't need another coach. I'm not so sure. Johnny Torts is up in Maine, coaching the U.S. for the upcoming world championships. It's a real thought, coaching other teams. I talked to Tortorella late this lost season and came away not knowing whether he wanted to be fired, or stay, or walk. Here's the thing: I don't think he knew, either."

"The on-again, off-again saga of the sale of the Lightning may finally be entering an end game. Although a report surfaced in Sports Business Journal on Monday stating a second lender scheduled to be used by perspective owner Oren Koules backed out of a deal, the sale of the team is nearly complete. When the deal is finally announced, current owner Palace Sports and Entertainment will end up being the primary lender. "

"If the Lightning wins Monday's draft lottery, the only way it trades the No.??1 pick is if someone backs up a truck to the St. Pete Times Forum. Otherwise, it almost certainly will choose Steve Stamkos from Sarnia of the Ontario Hockey League."

"Tampa Bay needs two top-six forwards and a steady, veteran defenseman. The draft will begin addressing needs long term. But with little push coming immediately from the minors and little depth with which to trade, Tortorella said the best route, short term, is the checkbook."

"If Tortorella gets bounced in the off-season, and that's a strong possibility with Tampa's ownership changing hands, he won't be out of work long. It's believed the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders and the Ottawa Senators are ready to at least speak to Tortorella if he becomes available."

"Coach John Tortorella said Paul Ranger is "untouchable" on a roster that could go through significant offseason change."

"Vinny Lecavalier made franchise history Thursday, becoming the first player to record back-to-back 40-goal seasons in a Lightning uniform during Tampa Bay's 4-2 loss to Pittsburgh. Could it be Lecavalier's final goal of the season? Talks have begun to surface that Lecavalier may need surgery on his left wrist after the season. A team spokesman said that there are currently no plans for Lecavalier to have surgery during the summer."

" A couple of men who were thought to be walking the plank at season's end might not have to update their resumes after all. New ownership in Tampa Bay probably will balk at paying coach John Tortorella his $1.3-million US contract next season to do nothing, while another employee in the Southeast Division, Atlanta Thrashers general manager, vice-president and coach Don Waddell, also appears to be safe. "

"Will he try to sign star Vinny Lecavalier to a long-term contract? We've heard through general manager Jay Feaster he will. It would be more convincing coming from the guy who will spend the money."

"There are plenty of reasons for John Tortorella to be concerned about his job security. The Lightning, in transition on the ice and in the owner's box, is in last place in the Southeast Division and virtually assured of missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2001-02 season."

"With the inquisitive Toronto media in town Friday and with the Lightning out of the playoff picture this time of year for the first time since 2001-02, Coach John Tortorella was asked whether he was concerned about his job."

"Coach John Tortorella said he wants the team to re-sign center Chris Gratton, whose season likely will end after next week's surgery on a torn left hip labrum."

" Kings D Rob Blake could be dealt to the Avs, although he has refused to waive his no-trade clause ... There has been talk in NHL circles that the Senators may again ask D Wade Redden if he's interested in moving. Listening to Murray lately, that seems highly doubtful. Redden killed a deal to the Sharks for D Matt Carle and a draft pick earlier this month ... The Sabres have to make a decision on D Brian Campbell, who's also set to become an unrestricted free agent. "

"While Canadian outlets have reported that Richards has submitted a list of teams he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to move to, Dallas is believed to be the front-runner in a package that could include goaltender Mike Smith as the central player coming in return."

"The Stars continued discussions Monday about acquiring forward Brad Richards from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and NHL sources said Stars backup goaltender Mike Smith was one of the players Dallas was dangling."

" Smith, 26, has never been involved in trade talk. But he is front and center this season as the Stars attempt to upgrade their offense and grab a veteran who can score. To get such a commodity, Dallas might have to give up its young backup goalie, who has the potential to be a No. 1 netminder in the NHL... The Stars are in on talks to acquire Richards, 27, according to co-GM Les Jackson. "

"The Hawks are one of six teams high-scoring Lightning center Brad Richards has agreed to be traded to, and according to ESPN.com, the Hawks have made an offer for him."

"The decision facing Vancouver Canucks general manager Dave Nonis today is one that could alter the course of the NHL franchise. A trade for Tampa Bay Lightning centre Brad Richards would not only be a huge splash and declare that Nonis believes this is Vancouver's year, but it would also set off a chain of roster moves over the coming months and years."

"In the absence of Mats Sundin (Toronto Maple Leafs) and with apologies to Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks), Richards is the most attractive centre in play at the moment."

"The Ducks have been heavy players in just about every rumor emanating from seemingly everywhere in this out-of-control Internet age, with everyone from Mats Sundin to Olli Jokinen to Rob Blake supposedly being headed to Anaheim at one time or another. Reality is something else again."

"Meanwhile, the Rangers are believed looking elsewhere for help on defense, perhaps toward Edmonton's Joni Pitkanen, since Tampa's Dan Boyle yesterday signed a six-year, $40 million extension that removes him from the top of the rental market... With Boyle re-signing with the Lightning, Tampa is expected to have to deal former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Brad Richards, who has a no-trade clause and may have the Rangers, and possibly the Devils, on his short list of acceptables."

"A TSN story reported that the Stars submitted an offer for Tampa Bay forward Brad Richards, who might be available at Tuesday's 2 p.m. trade deadline. But Stars co-general manager Les Jackson denied that an offer had been made."

"The Rangers are expected to know by early afternoon whether Dan Boyle, their primary target moving into tomorrow's trade deadline, will be available... Contrary to reports, the Rangers have no interest whatsoever in Toronto defenseman Bryan McCabe. The Blueshirts do have interest in renting St. Louis' prospective free agent defenseman Barret Jackman, but the price in return is expected to be far too high for Sather's liking."

"Given the circumstances, they need help, and Dan Boyle (Tampa Bay) and Brian Campbell (Buffalo), two as yet re-signed blue-chip defensemen, were still available yesterday afternoon, as were forwards Vaclav Prospal and Brad Richards, of Tampa."

"Earlier lobbying for Richards by teams such as Columbus and Philadelphia might pay off (the Jackets could offer him a spot on a line with Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev), but expect stronger Cup contenders such as Anaheim to get involved by today. One or both of Ottawa and Montreal, which seemed set to face off over Hossa, could change gears and pursue Richards."

"Richards' name has been most often linked to Columbus and Vancouver, with Montreal, Philadelphia and Edmonton also believed to have interest in acquiring the 2004 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, with Columbus believed to be the front-runner should Tampa Bay decided to trade Richards."

"Marian Hossa. Brad Richards. Olli Jokinen. Alex Tanguay. Mats Sundin. Five forwards with spectacular star power, and all are being shopped. Rumors are running rampant, but it'll be interesting to see which players are moved by Tuesday's trade deadline."

"While the Ducks and Wings are waiting to see if Mats Sundin will agree to be dealt, sources say Anaheim GM Brian Burke has made a pitch to the Florida Panthers for Olli Jokinen and has also likely spoken with the Tampa Bay Lightning about Vaclav Prospal... The Calgary Flames are interested in Sundin, but don't want to pay the outrageous asking price ."

"With Lightning center Brad Richards one of the most mentioned names in trade talks as Tuesday's 3 p.m. deadline looms, it appears a frontrunner has emerged: Columbus... Plus, Tampa Bay might find a solution in free agency by making a run at Montreal's Cristobal Huet, who could serve as a bridge until Karri Ramo is ready."

"Rumor is, Tampa Bay Lightning center Brad Richards is available and the Blue Jackets are making a pitch. This is juicy."

"Speculation continues to swirl around the contract talks with defenseman Dan Boyle and whether the team is shopping center Brad Richards, possibly to receive a goaltender in return. Yet, the Lightning's current goaltending situation has settled down in the past six weeks."

"The Lightning could be getting closer to signing defenceman Dan Boyle to a deal for at least four years at $6.5 million to $7 million US a season. Trading Brad Richards might have a better chance of happening in the summer when the club has a better shot at landing a No. 1 goalie ..."

"Sources have confirmed Lowe is trying to insinuate himself into the bidding war, such as it is, for overpriced Tampa Bay forward Brad Richards. Lowe hinted at it on Friday's pay-per-view broadcast."

"The Flyers remain in the hunt for 23-year-old Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter, sources say. The Predators have been scouting the Flyers for two weeks, and Suter is drawing attention. . . . The Flyers still would like a crack at Tampa's Dan Boyle, who will be unrestricted this summer, but forget about Lightning forward Brad Richards."

"The rumor with the most traction continues to surround talk that Lightning general manager Jay Feaster has put out feelers to see what kind of return could be had for C Brad Richards, with Columbus allegedly showing the most interest at this point, although TSN Canadian television reported that Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Edmonton also have interest. Richards, however, holds a no-trade clause, which means he would have to agree to any trade, which might eliminate Edmonton's chances."

"The Blue Jackets are among a handful of NHL clubs trying to trade for Tampa Bay Lightning center Brad Richards, sources told The Dispatch. The Lightning's willingness to trade Richards, a high-scoring 27-year-old, was first reported Wednesday by Canadian cable network TSN. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson would not comment on the team's interest in Richards, but two independent NHL sources confirmed it."

"So if the Bruins want a top-six forward (other possibilities include Calgary's Alex Tanguay, Tampa Bay's Vaclav Prospal, and Edmonton's Jarret Stoll), other GMs might include Phil Kessel, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Tuukka Rask, Matt Lashoff, and Zach Hamill on their wish lists."

"A week ago, the Rangers and every other interested party seemed to be out of the running for Dan Boyle, who at the time appeared poised to sign a long-term deal with Tampa Bay. Now, however, the impending free-agent defenseman may be available, for The Post has learned that despite the Lightning's desire to lock up Boyle, little if any progress has been made toward that end... The Post has learned that in addition to the Rangers, the Flyers and Sharks have been closely monitoring the situation, with the Penguins and Senators recently joining the queue."

"Lamoriello was back from the GM meetings in Florida in time to watch his Devils win a 20th home game for the eighth straight season, beating the Sharks 3-2 in Newark for a three-game winning streak. He intends to be a trade-deadline buyer, if he can find suitable sellers... Upcoming unrestricteds who could interest the Devils include Marian Hossa, Ladislav Nagy or Mats Sundin up front and Rob Blake, John Liles, Dan Boyle or Brian Campbell on defense."

"The Flyers are closely watching negotiations between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Dan Boyle. Boyle will be a free agent at the end of the season and the Lightning is trying to re-sign him. If that does not happen, the Flyers would be in the mix of teams willing to take a shot at a deal. A Boyle trade would not come cheap and it also would require the Flyers knowing they could sign him."

"According to a league source, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Jay Feaster is busy shopping forward Brad Richards among his fellow GMs after they arrived here for their annual winter meetings on Sunday night."

"The Flyers have called up Ryan Parent, who is adding some mobility to the defense, but they need a more permanent fix. Some big-name defensemen are expected to be available, including Tampa Bay's Dan Boyle. But the Lightning still are trying to re-sign him, and even if he does become available he is going to be a free agent this year."

"Hawks general manager Dale Tallon has admitted involvement in the Forsberg negotiations, and two European news outlets reported during the weekend that Forsberg, 34, is weighing a three-year, $11 million offer from the Hawks. Hockey Night in Canada reported that a trade of goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin to Ottawa for Wade Redden was a possibility, and sources in New York believe the New Jersey Devils are after Martin Havlat. If they get him, Havlat could play with Patrick Elias, a longtime friend. Tallon reportedly has long been interested in defensemen Brian Campbell of Buffalo and Dan Boyle of Tampa Bay."

"This season, Waddell is probably a seller. Atlanta’s Marian Hossa, one of the premier wings in the league, can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Waddell faces the quandary of holding on to Hossa for a tight playoff race or dealing him at the deadline to avoid losing him for nothing. Buffalo (defenseman Brian Campbell), the Islanders (forward Miroslav Satan) and Tampa Bay (forward Vaclav Prospal) are in the same situation."

"If Howson is a buyer, here are two names to keep in mind: Mike Comrie of the New York Islanders and Vaclav Prospal of Tampa Bay, both unrestricted free agents this summer. Comrie would cost more than Prospal -- and the Islanders aren't out of it yet -- but neither would require fully mortgaging the Jackets' future."

"Scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season, Boyle is driving up the price tag as the team and his agent negotiate a possible extension. The sides have begun talking, with a package in the $6.5 million to $7 million range a likely starting point. At the same time, Boyle's trade value continues to rise, meaning the Lightning could receive something valuable in return should they decide to move him before the Feb. 26 trade deadline."

"If you believe what Ottawa Senators coach John Paddock is selling, you should bet on general manager Bryan Murray adding another big-name player before the Feb. 26 trade deadline... One name that continues to swirl in trade speculation is Dan Boyle of the Tampa Bay Lightning. "