I can finally talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning!

This summer we are going to find out what kind of a GM Steve Yzerman is....There may be no more interesting crop of UFA’s/RFA’s than can be found here in Tampa, and also no team with more upside or with more HUGELY important and fundamental decisions.

Major Pending UFAs:

Gagne, Bergenheim, Hall, Brewer, Roloson, and Mike Smith

Not a bad group there, and one could argue a group that is way more valuable following the playoffs. They all helped themselves in different ways.

Eric Brewer became a vital part of this team and raised his value a great deal. The Sabres, Devils and Dallas all really like Brewer...and there are those who say he will go back to St. Louis...but the Blues/Brewer relationship...is another Blog in and of itself. Essentially I believe Brewers play this off-season killed any chance the Blues and Brewer would be able to agree to a number. St. Louis doesn’t want to spend on Brewer...especially considering NJ’s interest and the fact that Buffalo is looking hard for a partner for Myers.

Bergenheim is an interesting case. I believe he will be back and should be back. Sometimes a player is successful because of a situation and following a big season needs to not take the extra 500k to go to a situation where he won’t be able to play his game.

I doubt Gagne will be back, and I keep hearing rumors of a return, for a reasonable number to Philly. At the time Gagne accepted the trade to Tampa last year (a trade broken here on Hockeybuzz) I also heard murmurs Simon knew if he went now, he could return and the Flyers will be likely dealing a top 6 forward to make room for their major UFA goalie signing this summer. I could see Gagne filling that opening with Philly for half the price.

Dwayne Roloson was a monster in these playoffs. His struggles in the Conference Final will not be remember nearly as much as his heroic game 7 performance. I believe he returns to Tampa. There aren’t many teams in the NHL, in need of a #1, that are as appealing as Tampa and given the history from this season I can’t see Tampa turning to anyone else. However the Bolts could also make a move to pick up a solid backup...a young guy who they could have Roloson mentor.

On the RFA’s...

Two huge players...but first let’s talk about Ted Purcell.

Ted was a steal when the Lightning acquired him, but don’t expect him to be a steal this time around. Purcell was fantastic in the playoffs and he could be a huge asset for any team looking for a power forward with a wicked release. He is looking like your typical late bloomer right now, which is not that uncommon among power guys. He is just learning how to use his tools, but from what I saw I am thinking Ted Purcell will be a star someday and this is Tampa’s chance to tie him up at a “not so ridiculous” cap number. If they don’t, Purcell could be poached with an offer sheet. Calgary, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Washington, and Detroit all love this kid's game.

And now for the “other” RFA, aka “The Elephant in the Room.”

Mr. Steven Stamkos.

Stammer started off this past season like man in a gasoline suit running through hell. There was no touching him, catching him, or even pretending he was not the best player in the game early on. Then he went cold...and according to a great source Stamkos downturn directly corresponded with a group of his representatives traveling to Tampa and trying to get a deal done..and leaving Tampa nowhere close to a deal and very frustrated.

Tampa has 11 players signed for next year and more than 22 million to play with, so the Bolts have been preparing to sign Stamkos. It would be huge news were they not to sign Stamkos, and the logical person in all of us can’t imagine, or even really remember, a player of hislevell getting traded in the prime of his career.

However, we haven’t also seen an RFA of Stamkos level make it to the point where an offer sheet could be put to them. The Lightning hope to sign him prior to that risk, but they are at the point now where as a source told me: ”Everything from ‘8M per for life’ to ‘one of the more historic trades in NHL history’ could be 2 to 5 weeks away.”

Enter Toronto and Brian Burke.

So far Burke has been methodical and meticulous in building the Leafs from the Defense out and he has made a few conservative signings to fill gaps...He has found key college players to fill third and fourth line spots....and of course made one highly controversial trade for a first line player...a trade I still believe in by the way...yet still the Leafs are a team with one second line and three third lines. And one first line player in Kessel. Lupul was solid, but really is a second liner who can play top line time.

When you look at Brian’s back catalogue in Vancouver and Anaheim you quickly see Burke is a guy who likes to build a very strong first line.

This summer is his shot, and sources tell me that Stamkos is his man. Parise and Brad Richards are in the mix...but Stamkos is the target. It will probably not be via offer sheet..more likely trade, and it will take a player or two Leaf fans won’t be thrilled about moving, but it won’t matter once the deal goes down.

I would still classify it as a longshot....a huge longshot...but those who say it’s not being worked on or considered are wrong. Those who say it is impossible...are also wrong.

The Leafs have always wanted Stamkos, and Stamkos has always wanted the Leafs..and the fact this is at all possible will not make this any easier on Tampa trying to get him signed.

The Bolts are in a spot here. They have had success before and reacted with bad choices on who they kept and who they let go...sometimes what you get back could prove to be more valuable and more manageable...this summer will be VERY interesting for all of us to follow...

stay tuned....