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The Roundtable on Filppula

July 13, 2013, 2:03 AM ET [179 Comments]
Michael Stuart
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Tampa Bay Lightning has asked me to be a part of the organization’s Blogger Roundtable. This new feature, which has a number of independent writers weigh in on issues surrounding the team, will be a weekly column on the team’s website.

Today's question has to do with the team's latest free agent acquisition, Valtteri Filppula. Brought in to center the Lightning’s second line, Filppula projects to be a key contributor next season. The question, as posed to the roundtable, is what facet of his game will provide the most impact. Below, I've posted my answer; you can check out the rest of the responses right here.

The Lightning made a big move in free agency with the addition of former Detroit Red Wing center Valtteri Filppula. We asked the round table of bloggers what facet of Filppula's game will provide the most impact.

It's probably easy to look at Filppula's offensive prowess as his primary asset, but in my opinion it's his character and work ethic that will have the biggest impact on the Lightning in 2013-14. On a young team like the Lightning, it's so important to have the right people surrounding 'the kids'.

Filppula is renowned for having a never-give-up attitude and for being a tireless worker. Having that influence around so many young players as they learn to become full-time National Hockey League professionals can only have a positive impact on the entire team moving forward into the future. Set to join an already impressive leadership group, Filppula will fit right in; simply put, this was a smart signing for so many reasons. Once you add in his two-way game as a bonus, it really looks like the Lightning picked up a gem on the opening day of free agency. Welcome to the organization, Valtteri!


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Now it's time for you to have your say. What will Filppula bring to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2013-14? What are you looking for from the versatile forward? Let me know in the comments section.

As always, thanks for reading!
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