Alex Tanguay, Soon To Be a Bolt?

(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

Alex Tanguay, Soon To Be A Bolt?

Written By: Mark “The hard Hitter” Ritter

Reports out of Tampa Bay suggest the Lightening may be close to signing 29 year-old Left Winger Alex Tanguay to a contract.

Tanguay, who stands 6’1” and weighs in at 190 pounds, had 16 goals and 25 assists as a member of the Montreal Canadiens last season. Injuries limited Tanguay’s performance, but other point to the fact that Tanguay is now coming off two seasons in a row where he has struggled to find the net as the reason that he is still on the free agent market.

Recently, the Tampa Bay Lightening bought out the contract of centre/left wing Vaclav Prospal, which has left a hole in the Bolts lineup. Clearly, regardless of his recent struggles, adding a player with Tanguay’s abilities to an already strong offensive lineup would be a big boost to the teams chances of making the Stanley Cup playoffs.

If the Bolts do sign Tanguay, they will be looking to do so at a reduced rate and on a short term basis. Tanguay can expect a one or two year deal, likely in the $2.5-$3 million range, which is a far cry from the $5.375 million Tanguay made last season.

As it sits right now, Tampa looks like they will feature Ryan Malone (LW), Vincent Lecavalier (C) and martin St. Louis (RW) on the first line. There is a real possibility that Tanguay could end up as the left winger on the second line alongside sophomore Steven Stamkos and flanked by Evgeny Artukhin.

Nothing is set in stone, but if the Lightening does pull this off they might just elevate themselves from also-rans to contenders. Head coach Rick Tocchet has the reputation of being a task master, someone who can elevate a players game, perhaps that’s just what Tanguay needs to get his career back on track?

Stay tuned, this is libel to go down sooner rather than later.

Until next time,

Peace!

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