What Message Does the Boyle Trade Send to Tampa Fans?

The San Jose Shark acquired Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich from the Tampa Bay Lightning for Matt Carle, Ty Wishart, a first rounder next year and a fourth rounder in '10.  This fills a need that the Sharks were desperate to fill after the departure of Brian Campbell. 

The move was apparently initiated by the Lightning to clear up cap room and get under their self imposed budget.  It was a very odd move from Tampa to say the least.  So far they have been one of the most active teams in the trade and free agent market.  The moves that Tampa has been making are sending mixed messages. 

Since the end of the season the Lightning have acquired Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts, Vinny Prospal, Radim Vrbata and Olaf Kolzig.  Now on the surface these moves resemble the Flyers win now retooling from last year. 

But then they trade their best defenseman and leave their defensive corp dangerously thin.  As it is right now their top pairing would most likely be Paul Ranger and Matt Carle. 

Not exactly Lidstrom and Rafalski material. 

Its very difficult to sell a team turnaround when you ony improve you forwards.  They did take a big step in the right direction when they got Mike Smith from the Stars in the Richards deal at the trade deadline. 

But as the Florida Panthers and Luongo proved it doesn't matter who the goalie is if the team D is lacking.  When this team won the Cup in '04 it was becasue of players like Boyle, Cullimore, Sydor, Sarich and Kubina.This current group doesn't even come close to them.  And this team won't come close to the playoffs let alone the Cup.   

I do think the Lightning will add another defenseman by trade in the next few weeks.  Most likely a scoring forward and a second rounder to Vancouver.  Or if they bump it up to a first round pick they may be able to get Bieska or Salo.

They will probably move a guy like Jokinen.  They could also go after Jason Smith or stay at home like that but he will most likely ask for more than Tampa is willing to pay.