Tampa Bay Lightning Strike in Free Agency and on the Trade Market

Last season, the Tampa Bay Lightning found themselves tied for the least amount of points in the entire league with 71. With the season going down the proverbial drain they, traded fan favorite C Brad Richards to the Dallas Stars for goalie Mike Smith because they desperately needed a goaltender.

Subsequently, they received the first pick in the 2008 draft and drafted Steven Stamkos, a talented 18-year-old forward. Less than a week later, Barry Melrose left the announcers' box of ESPN to become the head coach of the Lightning. The team then locked up superstar C Vinny Lecavalier for nine years with a deal worth $77 million. This was but a sign of what was to come.

The Lightning then followed with the trade of a conditional draft choice to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the rights to seasoned veteran left winger Gary Roberts and fellow left winger Ryan Malone. The two players signed with the Lightning shortly there after. Roberts inked a one year deal and Malone signed a seven year deal worth $31.5 dollars, locking up yet another solid player. This was not the end of the Tampa's moves.

The Lightning then bought out the contract of goalie Marc Denis who was due $3 million for the 2008-09 campaign. Over the last three seasons he only played in 103 games with a record of 39 wings and 48 losses.

The Lightning then traded yet another conditional draft pick to the Minnesota Wild for the rights to left winger Brian Rolston, a 12 year veteran who has had three consecutive seasons with 30 plus goals. This move potentially allowed the Lightning to add more skill for the price of their own success.

A trade made with the Philadelphia Flyers allowed the Lightning to reacquire Vaclav Prospal, a left winger coming off of a 71 point season with the Flyers. Prospal signed with the Lightning following the trade for four years at $3.5 million per season (four years for $14 Million).

On July 1st, the Lightning signed free agent goaltender Olaf Kolzig to a one year deal. Kolzig not only brings his 6'3" 225 lbs frame, but he also brings his 16 years of experience. Adding Olie into the mix gives them two goaltenders to rotate throughout the season.

Tampa Bay management just made themselves contenders again.