Maybe overpaying, but there is some method to their madness.
The new owners want to make a splash and show their fanbase they won't be penny pinching scroungers and want to compete. A big name free agent will definitely show their fans that. Malone is also American and a character guy (big hits, tatoos, etc.) so he will help generate more buzz than some quiet russian guy with a crazy name who needs a translator to do interviews. As a last placed team they'd need to pay a bit more of a premium too to attract players. He should do alright production wise on Stamkos' or Lecavlier's wing, and provide some real jam too just like he did with Malkin.
Tamba Bay has a good fanbase (top 10 in NHL attendance) but theyre not gonna follow a loser forever. A deep rebuild might make better hockey sense, but it would kill the guy financially to see attendance #s start drifting downwards.
Anyone know how good the lightning's young defencemen are? I dont hear much about them. If Smith can give them the goaltending he's hyped for, and they have some good young dmen, things will be looking up there and they could be back in competition for a lower playoff spot. I'd consider them a dark horse, but it hinges on goaltending more than anything else.
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Originally Posted by franchise player
BTW, Richards >>> Malone + Roberts
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Yeah but they also got Mike Smith, a very good young goalie. Goaltending has been the lightning's biggest problem since they lost Khabibulen.