Sunday, August 31, 2008

Tampa Still Adding Pieces

As if Lightning fans weren't already going to be furiously checking their programs for most of early October, the addition of Andrej Meszaros has me wondering, "Are they done yet?!"

I've gone back to look at the Tampa roster that was in place for the '07 season opener in order to document the overhaul that has taken place. It all started just before last season actually, when Owner Bill Davision began the process of selling the franchise. The trades picked up near the trading deadline when they shipped out Brad Richards and his large salary (plus goaltender Johan Holmqvist) to Dallas for Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern, and Jussi Jokinen. Following the Draft where they won the Steven Stamkos lottery, the Lightning have thrown money around and kept the phones busy acquiring a bunch of ex-Penguin forwards, an experienced (read: almost finished) goalie, and a few young defensemen with big upsides. And, lets not forget the hiring of a legendary personality as coach named "Bubba". The new owners, Oren Koules and Len Barrie promised to be busy in the off-season and build a winner. They haven't disappointed and I'm sure the rest of the Southeast is shaking in their skates.

Here's a look at the changes in the Tampa roster from the '07 opener to the current roster:


They couldn't possibly land Mats Sundin, could they?
 
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