Go out for a couple of hours and what happens?
Well, I had an early afternoon appointment with a doctor and I have been out of the loop for the last few hours… As of this morning, reported in the St. Petersburg Times, the Lightning hadn’t even begun negotiations with #26 post-Lecavalier signing and what do I find the moment I walk in the door and check up on the NHL and the news of the day?
Martin St. Louis: SIGNED, SEALED, and DELIVERED.
Six Years and 31.5 Million dollars is what it took… That’s a quick change from the pouting we saw post-Lecavalier signing from Marty last week. This will likely mean Marty will end his career in a Bolts uniform (and if all goes well, #26 would be the first number retired by this franchise). It’s a dynamic Lightning fans have got to be enthralled about - Marty is back.
But enough of the positive hoopla for a moment because this puts the hurt on the Lightning.
Fredrik Modin is a Free Agent after this season, Brad Richards is an RFA. I believe Pavel Kubina is a Free Agent after the season and Cory Sarich also is an RFA. That’s a lot of talent to ink and not a lot of money to do it with.
Having Brad Richards resigned is imperative. I don’t care how much Lecavalier is the franchise in the eyes of executives and fans alike. It’s Richards play that has been that of a franchise player over the course of his career. Having him sign a one year deal and then explore free agency in 2007 would be painful at best.
Kubina is another story - the oft maligned Czech has come into his own on the blue line and having a failure to resign him would be another blow to a defensive corps that is already lacking two consistent bodies (Jassen Cullimore and Brad Lukowich). Of course, this blow could be softened by defensive prospects Mike Egener or Andy Rogers stepping in - but that would likely turn into a trial-by-fire.
It’s great to have Martin signed, as it sets things up for this season (as there is only one other unsigned vet this team needs to ink - Dave Andreychuk)… but in the long term, you gotta see it as a bit too much over a long, long time… And unfortunately, visions of Darren Puppa’s post 1995-96 contract dance in my head - and his injuries that followed him.
Enough with the bi-polar post. When does Training Camp start??
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August 24th, 2005 at 3:06 pm
6 yr, $31.5mm. While he probably could’ve signed a higher 1 year deal somewhere else I think he made a very smart decision.
August 24th, 2005 at 3:09 pm
wooHOO!!
I agree I think he could have dragged off a boatload from another club.
I really respect Marty for taking less, and the Lightning for refusing to let him get away.
Thanks Marty…CLASS ACT, my man!!
August 24th, 2005 at 3:31 pm
Essentially, he’s still getting the kind of salary he might’ve received under the old CBA, just over a longer term.
Under the old CBA, had the Bolts been willing to pay or if he’d gone to UFA status next summer, he might’ve gotten that amount for three or four seasons, making him among the highest paid players in the game. Instead, he gets it over six years guaranteed.
August 24th, 2005 at 3:57 pm
How long is Sydor under contract for? At $2.1 million he’s eating up more than his share of payroll for what he brings. That money should come in handy in keeping Richards around.
August 24th, 2005 at 7:01 pm
Lyle, I don’t get your point. He’s making the same amount.. but over 6 years instead of 3 or 4 as you suggest. If I am making 60,000 at my current job, and then I get paid 60,000 over two, sorry, but in terms of paying the bills, I’m getting half of what I was originally getting… so… I don’t understand what the point of bringing this up is.
August 24th, 2005 at 8:46 pm
What are the totals? Is there any respectable $ amount left to sign Andreychuk?
August 24th, 2005 at 11:33 pm
Personally, I find this to be a curious decision.
Tampa is at a crossroads. They were in a position where they had to choose between keeping two of their big three players, and having solid depth behind them, or keeping all three, and fielding a much weaker supporting cast.
Since this isnt basketball, I personally feel that depth is very important. I would have just kept two of the three long term. Given that position, the guy I would have dealt is St. Louis. Great scorer, great story, but he just doesnt bring the same things to the table that Lecavalier and Richards do.
Either Richards is dealt, or the Lightning are looking at having up to 50% of their cap space tied up in three players next season.
This is a good deal for Marty. I am not convinced it is a good deal for Tampa.