Michael Stuart: The Subtle Brilliance of the Lightning's RFA Signings

As I said in the prior thread JBB was really smart with these signings. He basically had a full roster for next year and has set himself up to try and work in the raises of Cirelli, Cernak and Sergachev the year after.

I think another reason he did these three year deals has to do with the waiver process. I think it will be less likely another team will take a flyer on one of these guys if the Lightning try to send them thru waivers as now you are on the hook for 3 years at full salary on a still non proven NHL player.

As I said in the prior thread JBB was really smart with these signings. He basically had a full roster for next year and has set himself up to try and work in the raises of Cirelli, Cernak and Sergachev the year after.

I think another reason he did these three year deals has to do with the waiver process. I think it will be less likely another team will take a flyer on one of these guys if the Lightning try to send them thru waivers as now you are on the hook for 3 years at full salary on a still non proven NHL player.
- stammerman

Great point on the waivers thing. It’s so true. Having an owner willing to cut cheques is a such a luxury.

Of course, if any one of them has a hot call-up and gets on everybody's radar, then all bets are off with waivers. The minute that 3-yr contract looks like a bargain, other GM's will be circling the waiver wire like vultures.

Of course, if any one of them has a hot call-up and gets on everybody's radar, then all bets are off with waivers. The minute that 3-yr contract looks like a bargain, other GM's will be circling the waiver wire like vultures.
- GalacticStone

The goal is too get one down to the Cuse. Then if they are needed and called up and perform they will stay with the team like Colton did.

Only one of the three need to clear I think that will happen.

Colton filed for arbitration, it will be interesting to see what the player is asking and what the team offered. I can't see him getting more then 1M to be honest similar to Verhaeghe last year. Similar numbers and games played. Tampa couldn't afford 1M last year but I think they can cover that for Colton. Guess we will see.

I will be surprised if Boris and Raddysh are not on this team by year 2, They made nice strides in the A last year and both look like good options Been looking forward to them in the NHL since theyre days with the Greyhounds in the O Those 2 with Frost (Philly prospect) made some stellar plays.

I think the Lightning have a realistic chance to threepeat. Is it likely? No. But it is more possible than I dared dream before the offseason started.

Losing the entire third line hurts, but none of those guys moved the offense needle much on their own. We lost Johnson, but he's a lesser loss than we expected thanks to Chicago's generosity and Seabrook's zombie contract. I don't think this team got better in the offseason, but we didn't get much worse either.

Bogosian is better than Schenn.

Elliott is better than McElhinney.

Perry is a POS, but seeing him reunited with Maroon should give other teams fits. He's a decent add at that price.

Bellemare is a sneaky good add. He should fit in nicely on the PK.

If this team makes the playoffs, I like their chances. As long as Hedman, Vasi, Kuch, Point, and Stammer are producing, this team will be a hard out for anyone.

I think the Lightning have a realistic chance to threepeat. Is it likely? No. But it is more possible than I dared dream before the offseason started.

Losing the entire third line hurts, but none of those guys moved the offense needle much on their own. We lost Johnson, but he's a lesser loss than we expected thanks to Chicago's generosity and Seabrook's zombie contract. I don't think this team got better in the offseason, but we didn't get much worse either.

Bogosian is better than Schenn.

Elliott is better than McElhinney.

Perry is a POS, but seeing him reunited with Maroon should give other teams fits. He's a decent add at that price.

Bellemare is a sneaky good add. He should fit in nicely on the PK.

If this team makes the playoffs, I like their chances. As long as Hedman, Vasi, Kuch, Point, and Stammer are producing, this team will be a hard out for anyone.
- GalacticStone

With Hedman, McDonagh, Sergachev, Cernak and too less extents Rutta and Bogosian/Foote in front of Vasy the Lightning will still be hard to score goals against. Top 6 and PP are still elite. The new Crunchers have been taught how to play the Lightning style and I think they will bring a little jam to their game. Joesph and Colton know what it takes and can take another step. Maroon, PEB and Perry bring lower line leadership and jam.

I think the Lightning will make the playoffs - that is all I am asking because once they get there they have the best goalie, great defense and a winning attitude to try and make up for what they lost this year. What made the last two years so special was even if the big boys were held off the score sheet the depth produced. So the Lighting need to figure out how to get the depth scoring like they have had.

I look forward to this season, I think it will be fun and interesting to see how the team morphs and what it becomes as it tries to get into the playoffs for a shot at a three-peat.

This is my opinion was a brilliant move. I think all three of those kids have a high ceiling and as a Sabres fan I would take all three off your hands and then we have starting fourth line right now. Maybe even our third line once the injury start