Lightning Offseason 2012: NHL Lockout Wipes Out Preseason Games Through Sept. 30

• 9 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Lightning Offseason 2012: NHL Lockout Wipes Out Preseason Games Through Sept. 30

The National Hockey League cancelled all preseason games through Sep. 30 on Wednesday as a result of the current lockout. This is the first set of games affected by the labor dispute between players and owners. All games after Sep. 30 remain on the schedule for now. In addition, the Kraft-Hockeyville game scheduled for Oct. 3 in Belleville, Ontario has been postponed.

The lockout is currently in its fourth day after players and owners failed to reach a collective bargaining agreement by Sep. 15. A number of prominent players, including Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, have signed deals to play in other countries while the lockout continues. Ovechkin, who has signed to play with the KHL's Dynamo Moscow, told the Washington Post today that he would consider staying in Russia if the new collective bargaining agreement significantly slashed player salaries.

"As to the future, it will depend on what kind of conditions there will be in the NHL with the new CBA," Ovechkin said. "If our contracts get slashed, I will have to think whether to return there or not. I won't rule out staying in the KHL, even past this season."

For more on the NHL Lockout and how it relates to the Tampa Bay Lightning, check out Raw Charge and Hockey Hub..

• 10 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Lightning Free Agency 2012: Tampa Bay Quiet In August

It's been a quiet month of August for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who made the bulk of their big-ticket free agency moves before the Fourth of July and have used the remainder of the summer to tie up loose ends. The last deal involving any member of the roster was July 11, when unrestricted free agent forward Brandon Segal signed with the New York Rangers.

Goaltender Jaroslav Janus remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. The Lightning locked up goalie Anders Lindback -- who backed up for Pekka Rinne with the Nashville Predators and acquired in a seven-piece deal on June 15 -- with a two-year contract.

SB Nation's Lightning blog Raw Charge writes that while it was a quiet and largely uneventful free agency period for Tampa Bay -- adding defensemen Sami Salo and Matt Carle was about as splashy as it got -- that's because the development system of the franchise is in good enough shape to address any lingering needs from within:

Tampa Bay is done with their free agent acquisitions -- at least, at the NHL level. Defensive depth at the top was what the Bolts set out to acquire, and now that this has been accomplished ... Well, it's time to take a breather while keeping an eye out for cogs that will bolster the Syracuse Crunch roster (and who could fit in Tampa in a pinch).

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, check out Raw Charge and SB Nation's NHL page.

• 11 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Lightning Free Agency 2012: Dmitry Korobov Signed To Two-Year Deal

On Thursday morning, vice president and general manager of the Lightning, Steve Yzerman, announced the team signed a two-year, two-way contract with defenseman Dmitry Korobov, formerly of the KHL.

Korobov, 23, has played in each of the last three seasons in the Kontinential Hockey League for the Dynamo Minsk. In 82 career games with the Minsk, Korobov has recorded two goals and 20 points, including an additional goal and three points in nine postseason games. He ranked fifth among Minsk defensiveman with an average ice time of 18:52 per game.

A native of Novopolotsk, Belarus, Korobov has represented Belarus in each of the last three International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships and led the Belarus defenseman in the 2012 World Championships with an average ice time of 23:21 per game.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to check out Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you? Make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 11 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NHL Free Agency: Blues Trade B.J. Crombeen To Lightning For Draft Picks

After a flurry of free agent signings, Tampa Bay engineered a trade on Tuesday to bring in depth - and enforcement -acquiring right wing B.J. Crombeen and a fifth round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft for a pair of fourth-rounders in 2013 and '14.

Crombeen, originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2003 and claimed off of waivers by the Blues in 2008, is coming off of an injury shortened 2011-'12 season with the Blues thanks to a fractured left shoulder in the preseason. Crombeen is noted tough guy, with more than 148 penalty minutes in three of his last four seasons. Crombeen was sixth in the NHL in fighting majors (17) last season, despite playing only half the year.

Crombeen scored one goal and three points last season with 50 shots on goal. He's averaged 12:03 in ice time per game during his career, including more than 12 minutes in three of the previous four seasons.

In addition to a respectable fourth line forward, here's what Tampa gets in Crombeen, courtesy of Hockey Fights:

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to check out Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 11 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Lightning Free Agency 2012: Teddy Purcell Signs Three Year Extension

On Tuesday morning, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced a three-year extension for Teddy Purcell to keep him with the team through the 2015-16 season.

The Lightning have signed RW Teddy Purcell to a 3-year contract extension the team announce this morning. Runs through the 2015-16 season.

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 10, 2012

Since being traded to the Lightning from the Los Angeles Kings during the 2009-10 season, Purcell has played in 181 games for Tampa Bay and has scored 44 goals. The 2011-12 season was a career best for Purcell as he earned career highs in essentially every major statistical category including goals, finishing with 24 goals.

The 26-year old winger also participates as a member of the Canadian National Team.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to check out Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NHL Free Agency: Lightning Sign Goalie Anders Lindback To Two-Year Deal

After acquiring him in a trade from the Nashville Predators last month, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced a two-year deal with goalie Anders Lindback Friday afternoon. The 24-year-old's deal is worth $3.9 million over the next two seasons.

Lindback appeared in 16 games with the Nashville Predators last season behind Pekka Rihne where he compiled a record of 5-8-0 while posting a goals against average of 2.42 and a save percentage of .912. In 38 career NHL games, he has posted a record of 16-13-2 to go with a 2.53 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to check out Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NHL Free Agency: Lightning Sign Matt Taormina

The Tampa Bay Lightning continued to pick up young talent available in the free agency pool on Friday by signing defenseman Matt Taormina to a one-year contract. Taormina has spent the last two years with the New Jersey Devils, playing in 47 games.

Taormina, 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, has played in 47 career NHL games with the New Jersey Devils during the previous two seasons, recording four goals and 12 points with a plus-4 rating. He made his NHL debut on October 8 vs. Dallas and recorded his first point October 13 at Buffalo.

Taormina has spent a lot of time playing in the AHL with Binghamton, Lowell and Albany, recording 50 points with Lowell in 2009-10. Taormina played his college hockey at Providence College where he played 141 games, recording 20 goals and 65 points.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to visit Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

2012 NHL Free Agency: Lightning Sign Matt Carle

As the fast and furious portion of NHL free agency is coming to a close, some teams are still adding pieces. The Tampa Bay Lightning have brought back defenseman Matt Carle, the team announced late Wednesday evening. Carle agreed to a six-year contract.

Carle, 6-foot, 205 pounds, has played in 471 career NHL games with San Jose, Tampa Bay and the Philadelphia Flyers. He has amassed 32 goals, 202 points and 17 power-play goals with a plus-55 rating. Carle has played in 80 games or more in each of the previous three seasons, including all 82 the previous two. He has played in 84 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording five goals and 35 points. Carle has played in 45 playoff games during the previous three seasons, all with the Flyers. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team during the 2006-07 season while with San Jose after a season in which he registered 11 goals and 42 points.

The 27-year old defenseman was originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the second round of the 2007 NHL Draft after playing his college hockey at the University of Delaware. The Lightning originally acquired Carle in a trade with San Jose during the 2008-2009 season and spent the past three seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to visit Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NHL Free Agency 2012: Lightning Sign Artem Sergeev

The Tampa Bay Lightning continued to make small moves during the early stages of NHL free agency, as they announced the signing of 19-year-old defenseman Artem Sergeev of Val-d'Or Foreurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to a three-year entry level contract.

Sergeev has played in 110 career games in the QMJHL where he has compiled 12 goals and 47 points to go with 86 penalty minutes. During the 2011-2012 season, he led Val-d'Or Foreurs with four power play goals. The Russian-native represented his home country in last year's IIHF World Junior Championships where he registered one goal and one assist.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to visit Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NHL Free Agency 2012: Lightning Sign Benoit Pouliot, According To Reports

Within minutes of the NHL's free agency period beginning at noon on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed winger Benoit Pouliot according to Renaud Lavoie of RSN.

The terms of the deal according to Lavoie are for one year and $1.8 million. Pouliot just wrapped up the 2011-2012 season with the Boston Bruins where he scored 16 goals and 16 assists in 72 games. The 25-year-old has played in parts of six seasons in the league, where he has totaled 53 goals and 51 assists in 257 career games.

He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild with the fourth overall selection of the 2004 Entry Draft.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to visit Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Lightning Offseason: Tampa Bay Re-Signs Defenseman Evan Oberg

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed one of their young defensemen. Via the team's official press release:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenseman Evan Oberg to a one-year, two-way contract, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced today.

Oberg, 24, played in three games with the Lightning last season, recording a plus-2 rating. He was acquired by the Lightning with Mike Kostka from the Florida Panthers on December 2 in exchange for James Wright and Mike Vernace. He made his Lightning debut on January 24 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Oberg has skated in seven career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks and Lightning.

Oberg has also played in 167 career AHL games with Norfolk, San Antonio, Rochester and Manitoba, tallying 17 goals and 64 points, to go with 138 penalty minutes.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to visit Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• 12 months ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Lightning Offseason: Keith Aulie Inks One Year Deal

According to Sporting News national hockey writer Jesse Spector, the Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenseman Keith Aulie.

#Lightning re-sign Keith Aulie to one-year, two-way deal.

— Jesse Spector (@jessespector) June 30, 2012

Aulie was drafted in 2007 by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round and played in 19 games with the Lightning in 2011. He scored no goals on just four shots and registered one assist and one point last season in Tampa. He did have 13 penalty minutes and 37 hits on the season.

The 6-6, 217 pound Aulie is 23-years-old and made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in November of 2010.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to visit Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.

• about 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Lightning Offseason: Tampa Bay Re-Signs Mike Angelidis

The Tampa Bay Lightning made another offseason move on Monday. Team vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced that the team re-signed forward Mike Angelidis to a one-year contract.

Angelidis played in six games for Tampa Bay this season, recording one goal in his very first NHL game in January against the Columbus Blue Jackets. At 26, he spent most of last season with the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL, where he had 14 goals and 27 points to go with 125 penalty minutes. As captain of that team, he helped them win their first Calder Cup in 2012.

Most of his early hockey career has been in the AHL. Angelidis has also played for the Albany River Rats, totaling 369 career games in the AHL. During that span, he has 76 goals, 150 point and 760 penalty minutes.

For more on the Tampa Bay Lightning, make sure to visit Raw Charge and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Still not enough hockey coverage for you, make sure to head over to the SB Nation NHL Hub Page for all the latest free agency news from all 30 NHL teams during the offseason.