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Tampa Bay’s Revolving Door
by Mike Chen on 12/08/08 at 02:04 PM ET
Comments (12)
God, I love the Tampa Bay Lightning. Every time you think they’ve settled down, the do another thing to stir the pot. This time, Radim Vrbata told ownership that he wants to go home because his confidence is low. I believe that’s the hockey equivalent for “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here!” or “You guys are freakin’ bonkers!”
Oh, and Chris Gratton was waived too. So let’s look at significant transactions since the start of June. Guys in bold have already come and gone with the team.
June 3 Fired John Tortorella
June 24 Named Barry Melrose head coach
June 30 Gary Roberts Signed as free agent
June 30 Ryan Malone Signed as free agent
June 30 Vaclav Prospal Signed as free agent
July 1 Radim Vrbata Signed as free agent
July 4 Matt Carle Traded from San Jose for Dan Boyle, Brad Lukowich
July 8 Mark Recchi Signed to one-year deal
July 11 Chris Gratton Signed to one-year deal
July 11 Resignation of GM Jay Feaster
August 29 Andrej Meszaros Traded from Ottawa for Filip Kuba
Oct 2 Michel Ouellet Sent to minors
Oct 6 Lukas Krajicek Traded from Vancouver for Michel Ouellet
Oct 21 Matt Pettinger Claimed off waivers
Oct 23 Marek Malik Signed as Free Agent
Nov 7 Matt Carle Traded to Philadelphia for Steve Eminger, Steve Downie
Nov 14 Fired Barry Melrose
Dec 8 Radim Vrbata Placed on waivers
Dec 8 Chris Gratton Placed on waivers
As you can see, a good chunk of the “important pieces” Tampa brought in during June and July were so damn critical that they’ve been jettisoned already. So, um, anyone want Tampa Bay’s sloppy seconds?
(Sorry, that one was too easy.)
Filed in: NHL | Mike Chen's Hockey Blog | Permalink
Tags: Tampa+Bay+Lightning,
Comments
Call up ZENON KONOPKA for Christ’s sake!!!!!
With Gratton gone, the Lightning now have two centers that fill the fourth line roll:
Ryan Craig - 12 games; 1 assist; -2
Paul Szczechura - 3 games; 0 points; -2
Craig is a scab . Szczechura is a 22 year old they’re taking a look at apparently.
Konopka is having a bang up season in the AHL and could actually fill an enforcer roll as opposed to another scab like Steve Downie with his 1 goal in 8 games while getting beat up a few times for running around and hitting because he can’t contribute in any other way (come up for breathe...). Konopka was SUPPOSED to be getting the call up after his lively preseason. But the Lightning haven’t done so, even with Barry Melrose and Rick Tocchet as coaches!
The Lightning need some life. They need some competitors. They need some contributors. That guy will provide all three and then some.
Posted by siggy on 12/08/08 at 02:16 PM ET
San Jose is loving Tampa’s sloppy seconds. They may even go for thirds. 
Posted by Andrew Mack from Ontario on 12/08/08 at 02:31 PM ET
Call up ZENON KONOPKA and NOW!!! C’mon Tocchet. This guy is blood and guts and a great team guy, and will entertain the few fans left in Tampa.
Posted by Zenon FAN on 12/08/08 at 03:03 PM ET
Time to bring up Zenon Konopka. What else does this guy have to do to get caled up? Zenon! Zenon!
Posted by Brian from Orlando on 12/08/08 at 03:05 PM ET
1) These two moves clears about 4.5 miollion in cap space. Cue up the Sundin rumours! LOL
Posted by Faux Rumors from Globally- Here, there, Everywhere on 12/08/08 at 03:21 PM ET
What about bringing up Zenon Konopka? Guy deserves it.
Posted by Buster from Buffalo,NY on 12/08/08 at 03:25 PM ET
Agreed, Tampa should bring up Konopka! An organization couldn’t ask for a player with more heart, toughness and will than Zenon Konopka. He deserves a shot with Tamapa Bay or else they should put him on waivers and let another NHL team give him a shot.
Posted by Jeff from Illinois on 12/08/08 at 03:40 PM ET
Forget the ‘Rory Fitzpatrick’ All-Star campaign, we’ve got the Konopka to Tampa campaign going on here!
Posted by Declan from NJ on 12/08/08 at 06:06 PM ET
Call up ZENON KONOPKA! The guy is a great team guy, with good skills!
Posted by Dupre on 12/09/08 at 10:39 AM ET
It is time to end the fans frustration and bring up a player who is balls to the wall ... will do anything for a victory ... fight tooth and nail ... has leadership qualities and has played int he show before ...
Zenon Konopka ...
Posted by Jeff_Hanson from Northern Ontario on 12/09/08 at 04:14 PM ET
Mike, the October 6th transaction included defensiveman Shane O’Brien in the deal. Actually, he was the big name in the trade going to Vancouver. Oullet was the forgotten man.
Posted by John from TB on 12/10/08 at 09:48 PM ET
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Mike Chen prides himself in being the only hockey writer integrating puck discussion with both Morrissey quotes and Star Wars references. Since 2004, he’s blogged about all things hockey and currently contributes to FoxSports.com, the Battle of California, and RotoRob.
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Bring up Zenon! Bring up Zenon! Bring up Zenon!
Posted by Dave from Detroit on 12/08/08 at 02:11 PM ET