Bolts strike quick with Lecavalier
Someone please enlighten me: Given the way salaries are going, why did we blow up an entire season for a lockout just three short springs ago? TSN is reporting that the Lightning is wrapping up a nine-year, $77 million deal with Vinny Lecavalier, who was entering the final season of his four-year, $27.5 million pact.
Tom Golisano & Co. are probably cursing new Tampa Bay owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie while trying to figure out what to do with the likes of Ryan Miller and Jason Pominville, but you've got to admit it's been a splashy start for the new kids on the NHL block.
In less than a week, Tampa has drafted Steve Stamkos and apparently has Lecavalier wrapped up a year before he hits unrestricted free agency. As for hiring Barry Melrose as head coach, we'll see. He did take the Kings to the Cup finals. In 1993. A lot has changed since then.
---Mike Harrington
