OK - it's taken a little time to catch up to the dozens and dozens of deals over the past week and a bit, but we think we've gotten there and are ready to give our two-cents from a fantasy perspective on all the moves. We are going to go team by team, give you an idea of the additions and subtractions and what we think the fantasy impact may be for the players and their respective teams. So, let's get started:
Tampa Bay Lightening:
Adds: F - Vaclav Prospal, F - Ryan Malone, F - Gary Roberts, D - Matt Carle, F - Radim Vrbata, F - Adam Hall, G - Olaf Kolzig, F - Ryan Craig (resigned), D - Janne Niskala, D - Ty Wishart.
Subtractions: D - Dan Boyle, D - Brad Lukowich.
Fantasy Impact: Wow. Where to start. the Lightening are clearly "reloading" and they are doing it right away. The additions to their team should make the team bigger and harder to play against. Vinnie Prospal is back and likely patrolling the wing with St. Louis on Lecavalier's line. Radim Vrbata and Ryan Malone made the best of their opportunities last year. Vrbata had 27 goals last season on a surprising Coyotes team. Malone had a similar goal out put last year in Pittsburgh. Both players will likely see 2nd line duty in Tampa so expect a little less production from him this coming season even with Steve Stamkos centering them. Hall, Roberts and Craig will battle for spots on the 3rd and 4th lines. Moving Dan Boyle to the Sharks creates a pretty big void for the Lightening. Their defence and goaltending were weak links last year, and Matt Carle regressed last year in San Jose. If new coach Barry Melrose can get Carle playing with confidence, the Lightening's impressive offence may turn him into a solid sleeper selection. Olaf Kolzig's contract isn't expensive, but it's loaded with incentives and we wonder what that holds for the future of Mike Smith. With younger goalie prospect Kari Ramo already in the fold, it looks like Smith may be on the outside looking in and is very likely being shopped. There are not very many teams however that may be looking for a #1 unproven goalie, but Colorado has to be a potential. Kolzig will face the same challenges that he had in Washington where the team is very likely to give up alot of scoring chances, but the team's potential for wins could be very high. Another solid sleeper.
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