Slow Lightning
June 2nd, 2008 by Jason ChenFrom the Toronto Sun.
Since the end of the season, John Tortorella’s future with the Lightning have been in doubt. Only 4 years removed from winning their Stanley Cup, they’ve managed to finish last in the league and lost Brad Richards due to cap reasons. This year, Hollywood-produce Oren Koules is set to buy the team, although it has not been finalized for quite some time, and rumour is that he will be making a coaching change, and that Tortorella is as good as gone. Barry Melrose has been the name that’s been popping up the most, and he is rumoured to be the front-runner for the job. He has denied his involvement with the coaching search, noting that he is content with his job at ESPN. While I don’t disagree with firing Tortorella, the Lightning need a change, I personally think Melrose is the worst candidate possible right now.
Vincent Lecavalier, who becomes a UFA next year, is waiting for ownership and management to sort out their problems before he starts talking to them about an extension. Lecavalier’s agent has voiced the fact that he would like to stay in Tampa Bay for the rest of his career, but others have reported that Lecavalier is looking to leave Tampa Bay the first chance he gets. The Ile-Bizard, Quebec native has long been rumoured to head to Montreal, and once he becomes a UFA that will become a major possibility. However, when the Lightning draft Steve Stamkos and he proves to the organization that he can make the jump soon, it could provide further incentive for Lecavalier to stay. The Lightning are obviously hoping they can work something out for Lecavalier, and I’m sure they will make a flattering offer, but the ball is completely in Lecavalier’s court.
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