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Strictly Opinion: Simply a Bad Signing |
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As I plan to enter my first full season cover the Lightning for Hockey Buzz, I am attempting to put together formal segments or columns that you, the reader, can look forward to. I have already introduced "Lightning Round" which will touch on any news that happens on any given day. Now, I give you "Strictly Opinion" which will be my "rant" column of sorts, providing you with my view on a particular Lightning topic. Of course, these segments will not take away from other analysis pieces or game recaps when the season begins. They are just another way for me to provide you with constant Tampa Bay Lightning content. Enjoy!
It has been over a week since the Tampa Bay Lightning signed veteran defenseman, Dan Girardi, to a two-year $6 million contract, which could beg the question of why it took me so long to provide my opinion about it.
To be honest, I have been trying to come up with any sort of reason as to why this was a smart move by Steve Yzerman. After a week, I still cannot generate one. This is simply because signing Girardi was not a smart move by Yzerman and the Lightning, it was a bad one.
There is nothing that the 33-year-old blueliner brings to the table that makes this Lightning team better off than they were last season. Yes, there was a point in time where Girardi could have been a valuable asset to Tampa Bay. Now he is just a slow, past his prime defenseman that is doing nothing but taking away a roster spot from a younger player who could make a serious impact.
I am fully aware of how harsh this sounds. I must say that I have nothing against Dan Girardi and respect what he has been able to accomplish in his 11 seasons with the New York Rangers. However, every signing the Bolts make at this stage needs to put them in a better position to bring the Stanley Cup back to Tampa Bay in the summer of 2018. This contract just doesn't do that and could arguably put them in a worse situation.
Girardi's status as a veteran and someone who has played in 122 postseason games can always be viewed as valuable. However, it does nothing to better this team if the skill simply is not there. Girardi claims his decline production was due to injuries and he expects to have a resurgence in Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, I do not share this optimism. At this point in his career, I view Girardi as someone who should have been signed to a $1 million contract for a year to a team that was in desperate need of a veteran presence on their blueline. The Lightning are not a team simply in need of a veteran defenseman. They are a possible Stanley Cup contender who could use another top-four blueliner on their roster, which simply is not Dan Girardi anymore.
Anything can happen in the NHL and crazier things have occurred than Girardi having a bounce back year. However, I would personally be shocked if this occurs. This signing will be viewed as nothing more than one Steve Yzerman wishes he could take back.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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