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Lightning Ink Hedman to Entry-Level Deal, Await Niittymaki? |
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Quick update:
I may have "mis-tweeted" earlier in relating a message on Antero Niittymaki. Seemed at the time that it was just about all systems go for Niitty to the Bolts. Not so. I'm told now that it is very much up in the air.
Stay tuned.
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The Tampa Bay Lightning today officially (officially, officially) welcomed defenseman Victor Hedman to the organization with a three-year, entry-level contract.
Hedman took the ice in a Lightning jersey for the first time this morning as Young Guns Camp opened at The St. Pete Times Forum. The signing comes as no surprise, as Hedman is expected to earn a roster spot with the big club for the upcoming season.
What was a bit of a surprise today was news that the Lightning are awaiting a final word on whether or not former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Antero Niittymaki will join the club as the backup to Mike Smith. Most had all but ruled out Niittymaki after reports yesterday had him signing to play in the KHL next season. It appears, however, that whatever agreement reached in that deal has some sort of out clause for an NHL contract and therein lies the hangup preventing his signing with Tampa Bay from becoming official.
That said, it is my understanding that everything should get ironed out in fairly short order and it certainly looks like Antero Niittymaki will be a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning very soon. Stay tuned on that.
I had promised some more follow-up to the Radim Vrbata situation today and, though I did speak with his agent again today, Damian Cristodero of
The St. Pete Times basically covered it all with
his piece this morning. Bottom line: Vrbata and agent Rich Evans have been given permission to find a new NHL home and the Lightning won't look for much in return for his rights. Here's hoping that all works out for everyone involved.
I was able to free myself up this evening after all and will be heading back to The Forum in a few hours to catch tonight's Young Guns Camp action.
Hopefully, we'll get some clarity on the Niittymaki situation as well.
LIGHTNING SIGN DEFENSEMAN VICTOR HEDMAN
Second Overall Pick in 2009 Agrees to First NHL Contract
TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning signed defenseman Victor Hedman to a standard three-year rookie contract today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced. Hedman was selected by the Lightning with the second overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the first time in franchise history Tampa Bay has picked second overall.
"We are thrilled to be able to take this next step with Victor today,” said Lawton upon making the announcement. "He has a bright future and we intend on him being a member of the Lightning for a long time. We are excited to get his signing behind us so he can solely focus on hockey and the continued development of his game.”
Hedman, 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, was rated as the top European player and one of the top two players overall available in the draft according to NHL Central Scouting. He spent the 2008-09 season with MoDo of the Swedish Elite League where he earned Rookie of the Year honors as an 18-year-old. Hedman recorded seven goals and 21 points for MoDo in 43 games. He ranked second on the team, first among defensemen, in plus/minus rating with a plus-21 and was second among defensemen in points (only behind former NHL player Mattias Timander).
A native of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, Hedman represented his country in each of the previous two World Junior Championships, winning the Silver Medal twice. During the 2009 tournament he recorded two assists and had a plus-4 rating in six games as Sweden fell to Canada in the Gold Medal Game. In 2008, Hedman was named to the tournament all-star team after recording an assist and a plus-5 rating in six games. He also played for Sweden at the 2008 World Under-18 Championships, recording a goal and four points in four games.
Hedman has spent the majority of the previous two seasons with MoDo, playing in the Swedish Elite League. During his two-year professional career there he has amassed nine goals and 25 points with a plus-22 rating in 82 games. He also played in five post season games with MoDo in 2007-08, recording one goal.
JJ
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