Bobby Holik has joined the Atlanta Thrashers… He’s going to average 3.47 Million Dollars through his three year deal… And with that deal I wonder why his signing took precedence to Heatly’s and Kovalachuk’s?

As you already probably know, the Florida Panthers have signed Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyke. On a very young roster, these two will serve both as mentors and Keenan Henchmen to instill Iron Mike’s will on the club. I expect more before everything is said and done.

The Carolina Hurricanes have traded for Mike Commadore… Make fun of his hair if you will but I look forward to seeing Mike on a more regular basis. He earned my respect for mouthing off early in the lockout and not taking back his comments.

Nothing major from Washington yet… Like the Lightning, I believe the Capitals are concerned about taking care of their own - we’ll see about that shortly.

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.