Sam Hitchcock: Blues' Support Worth Emulating

Really looking forward to the offseason now that the first round is far behind us and the playoffs are over. I'm hoping that BriseBois shakes up the forward core this summer.

Really looking forward to the offseason now that the first round is far behind us and the playoffs are over. I'm hoping that BriseBois shakes up the forward core this summer.
- jvar17

I see Callahan moving on and would not shock me if one of Palat, Johnson, Killorn, Gourde or Miller is moved as well. Personally I want them to keep Miller of those 5 guys as he is the youngest, biggest and has a scoring touch.

It will be interesting to see if they do move on of those 5 middle six guys it would have to be for a defender but does that spell the end for Sergachev as he needs top 4 minutes of his off side (he is better on the right) and not bottom pairing again.

They need to get Point signed asap. I will say if some team gives him 11M and he signs the offer sheet I think the Lightning move on and take the 4 first rounders. Just don't see how they could match that cap hit. But I also think Point wants to stay in Tampa and probably wont sign an offer sheet.

Next two to three weeks should be very telling on how JBB is going to run this team.

The Blues' star players showed up in the playoffs.

The Lightning's star players went AWOL.

Period.

Lightning want nothing to do with Physical players.

Witkowski, Dotchin, Boyle, Gudas, among others, all gone.

Lightning want nothing to do with Physical players.

Witkowski, Dotchin, Boyle, Gudas, among others, all gone.
- jaygeeforty

Boyle wasn't really physical if I'm remembering correctly. Both Cernak and Paquette fit the bill, unless you want more players like that.

Lightning want nothing to do with Physical players.

Witkowski, Dotchin, Boyle, Gudas, among others, all gone.
- jaygeeforty

I'm not sure I agree. Dotchin and Witkowski sucked. Gudas we flipped for Coburn. Last year we had Callahan, Erne, Miller Pacquette (6th in entire NHL in hits), Girardi and Cernak. Not exactly pushovers. I feel the Bolts have a good balance.

Bolts resign Coburn.
2 years, 1.7AAV

Lightning want nothing to do with Physical players.

Witkowski, Dotchin, Boyle, Gudas, among others, all gone.
- jaygeeforty

Wit sucks.
Dotchin had potential but couldn't put the donuts down.
Boyle was good as a 4th line role (his replacement is better)
Gudas was a bonehead.

Paquette is a better player than all the above, and was near the top in hits last year.
Erne was pretty high up the list, as well.
Our D hit fairly consistently (specifically, Coburn and Cernak... but Girardi wasn't half bad there either... everything else, tho..).

Bolts resign Coburn.
2 years, 1.7AAV
- OzBolts

Great signing there. Not too much caphit or term. Perfect.

If Stralman would sign something similar or less, I'd say keep him too.

Great signing there. Not too much caphit or term. Perfect.

If Stralman would sign something similar or less, I'd say keep him too.
- GalacticStone

Agreed. If he isn't signed for a reasonable deal I think they should just go with Rutta or possibly Foote as their 6th D.

Agreed. If he isn't signed for a reasonable deal I think they should just go with Rutta or possibly Foote as their 6th D.
- jvar17

Some addition will be made. This year there is a pretty good UFA class for bottom pairing defensemen:

Hainsey
Benn
Chiarot
Nemeth
Phaneuf (lol)
Edler
McQuaid
Methot

I think Stralman is a better option, but with our cap-situation, they may have to go another route. If we cant match his salary demands, someone cheaper has to come in.

Methot is interesting, as he has had two straight seasons shortened by injuries. His health and ability to compete again in the league is very much up in the air and I doubt any GM will give him more then a one year deal.

He is still only 33 so he will probably be looking to re-establish himself as a serviceable bottom pairing defensemen. Tampa would be a pretty good place to do that. If his rehab has gone well I could see him/Rutta/Foote compete for the 6th D spot.