2009 NHL off-season trades, rumours, draft thread

I think this only confirms that Lecavalier is not going to be on the move this summer. Montreal probably made a run at him, didn't get anywhere.

That this was their fall-back is a major puzzler though.

 

Do you think LA steps in now?

 

The only thing I can think of is that they are overly frustrated with the free agent process the past few years with more than a few players scraed off because of the intense microscope they would be under. Also these trades aren't easy to pull off, so they almost have to go for a salary dump player in the hopes he can regain his form. Trying to think what other first line centres would be availble at his point.

Still, yeah, they gave up way too much, but had obviously given up on Higgins, but to also throw in a top prospect and another decent prospect just doesn't make sense. When taking on a slary dump they should be dealing from a position of strength.

 

No. I don't think he's going anywhere now.

Here's the key to it. According to some reports I've read, both Koules and Barrie have the power of veto over any personnell decision. At this point, it's pretty clear that Koules wanted to move Lecavalier, and Barrie didn't, and as such Barrie was going to nix any potential trade, unless it was of the type that the Bolts just couldn't refuse.

Barrie certainly wasn't going to be allowing a deal that was a plain salary-dump.

According to our guy, as of yesterday, no-one had contacted Lecavalier or his agent about a potential deal. Now they would have to go through him since his no-trade has kicked in. The expectation is he'll be suiting up for the Lightning when the season opens.

 

USA Today reporting Ohlund to the Lightning.

I like this a lot.

 

good solid defenseman, has lost a little speed in the last couple of years but is still a good get

 

I pointed out earlier the youth the Lightning have on the blue line right now. Ohlund's experience, especially in regard to being a guide and resource to Victor Hedman, will be major.

 

I just hope the term isn't to long, he really has lost a step or two. He will definietly help in the short term.

 

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/07/01/spector_heatley_edmonton/

 

Ohlund gets 7 years from the Bolts

 

Reportedly, it's a 7-year deal, $3.75 cap hit per, so I imagine it's backloaded a little bit. Not sure about the length of the deal, but if they're going to make the number work, sometimes that's the sacrifice you've got to make.

 

I think it would actually be front loaded. They probaly expect him to play 3 or 4 years and hope he retires. Usually the players get most of their money in the first few years of their contracts, the extra years are added to spread the cap hit.

Just heard 22.5 of it is in the first 5 years. love Ohlund but this contract is typical of the Lightning.