Stamkos is a bench stud.

Fixed

He’s staying put... in the press box.

Tampa won't be trading sergachev. If they did every team in the league would be interested

Have you don’t a piece on how Stevie-Y has essentially handcuffed the Bolts when it comes to next year’s expansion draft? As per Cap Friendly, there are 7 forwards and 3 defensemen who currently have NMC/NTC. Only Coburn will be UFA after next year. Killorn’s is a 16 team no-trade list. Based on the above, you’ll understand why 7-3-1 is the only option for Tampa. 8-1 obviously is a possibility IF someone agrees to waive their clause to be exposed. However, they must protect a few key pieces who aren’t holding these clauses. Point is the most obvious forward who comes to mind, then there are the 3 RFAs (Cirelli, Cernak, and Sergachev). Brisebois is going to have to pull a rabbit outta somewhere to navigate this mess.
It’s safe to say Hedman is a fixture on the back end, and by default McDonaugh will be too since no team is going to take on that contract. Room for 1 D to be protected. Cernak or Sergachev? Both RFAs. 1 year bridge deal for the guy most likely to be traded or exposed?
Up front, Tyler Johnson is the guy they’d most like to move. But it’s going to cost them a decent asset to unload the contract. Ottawa will likely be the team to capitalize once again. So let’s say theoretically that he goes, with picks and not roster players. Still 6 forced to be protected, with Point and Cirelli (assuming he signs with TB) who we’d want to protect. We can also see there’s only $8M left (after Johnson) to go around between 3 RFA players which will not be enough. I think they have to make their expansion decisions a year early, and package “the odd man out” from the listed RFAs with Johnson to take care of 2 problems at once. It will still leave a very good player exposed, in either Sergachev/Cernak, or Cirelli/Point depending which player gets packaged with Johnson. This will put the Bolts within the cap with the least disruption to the Cup-Winning roster.
But full circle back to my original point... how does a GM manage to get 10 players under contract with NMC/NTCs on one roster!?

Have you don’t a piece on how Stevie-Y has essentially handcuffed the Bolts when it comes to next year’s expansion draft? As per Cap Friendly, there are 7 forwards and 3 defensemen who currently have NMC/NTC. Only Coburn will be UFA after next year. Killorn’s is a 16 team no-trade list. Based on the above, you’ll understand why 7-3-1 is the only option for Tampa. 8-1 obviously is a possibility IF someone agrees to waive their clause to be exposed. However, they must protect a few key pieces who aren’t holding these clauses. Point is the most obvious forward who comes to mind, then there are the 3 RFAs (Cirelli, Cernak, and Sergachev). Brisebois is going to have to pull a rabbit outta somewhere to navigate this mess.
It’s safe to say Hedman is a fixture on the back end, and by default McDonaugh will be too since no team is going to take on that contract. Room for 1 D to be protected. Cernak or Sergachev? Both RFAs. 1 year bridge deal for the guy most likely to be traded or exposed?
Up front, Tyler Johnson is the guy they’d most like to move. But it’s going to cost them a decent asset to unload the contract. Ottawa will likely be the team to capitalize once again. So let’s say theoretically that he goes, with picks and not roster players. Still 6 forced to be protected, with Point and Cirelli (assuming he signs with TB) who we’d want to protect. We can also see there’s only $8M left (after Johnson) to go around between 3 RFA players which will not be enough. I think they have to make their expansion decisions a year early, and package “the odd man out” from the listed RFAs with Johnson to take care of 2 problems at once. It will still leave a very good player exposed, in either Sergachev/Cernak, or Cirelli/Point depending which player gets packaged with Johnson. This will put the Bolts within the cap with the least disruption to the Cup-Winning roster.
But full circle back to my original point... how does a GM manage to get 10 players under contract with NMC/NTCs on one roster!?
- Burnt_juice

Only NMC have to be protected and NTC don't have to be protected for the expansion draft.

Vasy, Hedman, Stamkos, Kucherov have to be protected. The Lightning can expose anyone else.

The NTC are hurting more now during this off season then they will come expansion draft time.

Have you don’t a piece on how Stevie-Y has essentially handcuffed the Bolts when it comes to next year’s expansion draft? As per Cap Friendly, there are 7 forwards and 3 defensemen who currently have NMC/NTC. Only Coburn will be UFA after next year. Killorn’s is a 16 team no-trade list. Based on the above, you’ll understand why 7-3-1 is the only option for Tampa. 8-1 obviously is a possibility IF someone agrees to waive their clause to be exposed. However, they must protect a few key pieces who aren’t holding these clauses. Point is the most obvious forward who comes to mind, then there are the 3 RFAs (Cirelli, Cernak, and Sergachev). Brisebois is going to have to pull a rabbit outta somewhere to navigate this mess.
It’s safe to say Hedman is a fixture on the back end, and by default McDonaugh will be too since no team is going to take on that contract. Room for 1 D to be protected. Cernak or Sergachev? Both RFAs. 1 year bridge deal for the guy most likely to be traded or exposed?
Up front, Tyler Johnson is the guy they’d most like to move. But it’s going to cost them a decent asset to unload the contract. Ottawa will likely be the team to capitalize once again. So let’s say theoretically that he goes, with picks and not roster players. Still 6 forced to be protected, with Point and Cirelli (assuming he signs with TB) who we’d want to protect. We can also see there’s only $8M left (after Johnson) to go around between 3 RFA players which will not be enough. I think they have to make their expansion decisions a year early, and package “the odd man out” from the listed RFAs with Johnson to take care of 2 problems at once. It will still leave a very good player exposed, in either Sergachev/Cernak, or Cirelli/Point depending which player gets packaged with Johnson. This will put the Bolts within the cap with the least disruption to the Cup-Winning roster.
But full circle back to my original point... how does a GM manage to get 10 players under contract with NMC/NTCs on one roster!?
- Burnt_juice

- gergeswillems

Thanks GW, I only visioned TJ and Killorn and maybe Coburn gone. And that is all subject to their waiving NTC's. But you have done the math and this makes sense only if TB is able to keep all their RFA's..... but...I think one of the RFA"s have to go instead, because none of these players on the move wanna move.

- gergeswillems

Thanks for sharing that. The solution looks plausible.

If Tampa didn't have a Cup to show for it, I would be more concerned about their cap situation. But, this is a good problem to have (in some ways). Yzerman was very good at working his cap wizardry and I suspect the Briebois learned under his tutelage. Tampa will manage. It will be tight. It will cost some assets, but the core will remain and the team will still be a strong contender next season - assuming there is a season.

Thanks for sharing that. The solution looks plausible.

If Tampa didn't have a Cup to show for it, I would be more concerned about their cap situation. But, this is a good problem to have (in some ways). Yzerman was very good at working his cap wizardry and I suspect the Briebois learned under his tutelage. Tampa will manage. It will be tight. It will cost some assets, but the core will remain and the team will still be a strong contender next season - assuming there is a season.
- GalacticStone

I think the 3 RFAs all want to stay in Tampa. That's why we're not hearing anything about offer sheets. Like Point last year they're not signing them. Even with the loss of depth this Tampa team is still very much capable of repeating as Cup champs. Especially if a healthy Stamkos returns.

Thanks GW, I only visioned TJ and Killorn and maybe Coburn gone. And that is all subject to their waiving NTC's. But you have done the math and this makes sense only if TB is able to keep all their RFA's..... but...I think one of the RFA"s have to go instead, because none of these players on the move wanna move.
- HenryHockey

It's tricky for Brisebois but he has to start earning his money now. Yzerman built this team and Brisebois got all the credit for the Cup win. Once upon a time Ken Holland inherited a Cup champion and he acted as a caretaker keeping the team together for future Red Wings Cup runs. It's much harder to accomplish in the Cap era. Holland succeeded and Brisebois can too. When you have Tampa's core to build around it makes it much easier.

I think the 3 RFAs all want to stay in Tampa. That's why we're not hearing anything about offer sheets. Like Point last year they're not signing them. Even with the loss of depth this Tampa team is still very much capable of repeating as Cup champs. Especially if a healthy Stamkos returns.
- gergeswillems

Agreed. The threat of an offer sheet is an empty one if the player won't sign it. Tampa has a lot of good things going for it as a free agent destination. Players want to live and play here, so they aren't lining up to sign offer sheets. I think Barzal is a more likely offer sheet candidate in the division.

please, just sweeten the tyler johnson deal. bite the bullet and add draft picks / maybe even an AHL'er now like raddysh or katchouk, even Cernak if we have to. sergachev NEEDS to be signed. Cerelli is a close 2nd. I can live without having Cernak, although it would not be ideal. Foote can hopefully step into that role after a year or two, who knows. Either way, we cannot lose Sergachev, or really cirelli either.

Everyone knows tampa is in cap hell. time to bite the bullet and give up some assets for probably less than what they're worth. to me, re-signing sergachev and cirelli is worth it. trust the scouting staff to do a good job drafting in the later rounds like they always have.

It's tricky for Brisebois but he has to start earning his money now. Yzerman built this team and Brisebois got all the credit for the Cup win. Once upon a time Ken Holland inherited a Cup champion and he acted as a caretaker keeping the team together for future Red Wings Cup runs. It's much harder to accomplish in the Cap era. Holland succeeded and Brisebois can too. When you have Tampa's core to build around it makes it much easier.
- gergeswillems

By all rights, Yzerman's name should be engraved on that Cup right alongside Briesbois. Yzerman's impact on the roster is undeniable and his influence on the team culture cannot be overstated. Tampa's respectability started the minute Yzerman walked in the door.

please, just sweeten the tyler johnson deal. bite the bullet and add draft picks / maybe even an AHL'er now like raddysh or katchouk, even Cernak if we have to. sergachev NEEDS to be signed. Cerelli is a close 2nd. I can live without having Cernak, although it would not be ideal. Foote can hopefully step into that role after a year or two, who knows. Either way, we cannot lose Sergachev, or really cirelli either.

Everyone knows tampa is in cap hell. time to bite the bullet and give up some assets for probably less than what they're worth. to me, re-signing sergachev and cirelli is worth it. trust the scouting staff to do a good job drafting in the later rounds like they always have.
- Bolts77

How is Raddysh or Katchouk sweeteners, the6 are 22, don’t skate well and will be lucky to ever see the NHL. Foote wasn’t held onto last year at the trade deadline because he’s a diamond in the rough. Teams wanted his brother not the Dman that can’t skate and the IQ is just not there

How is Raddysh or Katchouk sweeteners, the6 are 22, don’t skate well and will be lucky to ever see the NHL. Foote wasn’t held onto last year at the trade deadline because he’s a diamond in the rough. Teams wanted his brother not the Dman that can’t skate and the IQ is just not there
- Justbecause

A little time with Barb Underhill will fix that first issue. It did with Point.

A little time with Barb Underhill will fix that first issue. It did with Point.
- GalacticStone

Uhm Underhill has already worked with both players. Point wasn’t an awful skater, he was not elite. That can be fixed. Point was a 1.29 point/ GM player in the Whl. He wasn’t some sows ear turned into a silk purse. Katchouk has some potential but he’s almost 23. Raddysh ditto. Neither are any wear near the prospect Point was. Point needed polish. The other 2 are what they are, maybe tweeners . At 23 they have worked with underhill it is what it is

Uhm Underhill has already worked with both players. Point wasn’t an awful skater, he was not elite. That can be fixed. Point was a 1.29 point/ GM player in the Whl. He wasn’t some sows ear turned into a silk purse. Katchouk has some potential but he’s almost 23. Raddysh ditto. Neither are any wear near the prospect Point was. Point needed polish. The other 2 are what they are, maybe tweeners . At 23 they have worked with underhill it is what it is
- Justbecause

Well, if that's the case, then I won't feel bad about stapling one of them to Johnson to facilitate a deal to jettison that salary. Heck, send them both. Just don't send our most valuable prospect - Luke Witowski. LOL.

Well, if that's the case, then I won't feel bad about stapling one of them to Johnson to facilitate a deal to jettison that salary. Heck, send them both. Just don't send our most valuable prospect - Luke Witowski. LOL.
- GalacticStone

The cupboards are bare but there is a cup so...no one wants our poopty contracts...esp TJ

The cupboards are bare but there is a cup so...no one wants our poopty contracts...esp TJ
- Justbecause

Yeah, that Cup makes this situation more palatable. There are teams with bare cupboards and cap issues that don't have a Cup to show for it. So there's that I guess.

How is Raddysh or Katchouk sweeteners, the6 are 22, don’t skate well and will be lucky to ever see the NHL. Foote wasn’t held onto last year at the trade deadline because he’s a diamond in the rough. Teams wanted his brother not the Dman that can’t skate and the IQ is just not there
- Justbecause

haha well we have different opinions on foote. and i also said add draft picks OR prospects, those were just examples. relax bud

23 is still not bad. raddysh has a really nice release. marchessault was 25 when he started getting good. yanni gourde was 25 when he made the lightning roster. Johnson and PAlat were both 23 when they had their calder seasons.

i'm not saying that katchouk or raddysh are going to be as good as any of the players above, but i'm not saying they're not either. but you can't say at 23 they are what they are. yanni gourde was in the echl at age 23. it's just not true. superstars? not likely, almost a fact that they won't be, but saying both will never sniff an NHL roster is a stretch and might be true but highly unlikely, especially in the lightning's situation where they need the cheap young prospects they've been trying to develop for years.

and teams never got foote the defenseman because Yzerman made it clear to other teams that he was completely untouchable, not because nobody wanted him