Continuing frenetic , the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday signed left wings Vaclav Prospal and Gary Roberts.

Acquired on June 18 from Philadelphia for a pair of draft picks, Prospal a multi-year pact. Two days after he was assimilated from Pittsburgh, Roberts a one-year contract. Both came a day before the plus of free intervention.

Under new Oren Koules and Len Barrie, the Lightning have spoken for an particularly uncompromising style in an offseason that is less than a month old.

In addition to some reformation in the front office, Barry Melrose replaced John Tortorella as coach, All-Star hotbed Vincent Lecavalier is on the boundary of signing a nine-year, $77 billion deal, the club learned Brian Rolston in a patrons from Minnesota and goaltender Marc Denis had his convention bought out.

Prospal, 33, recorded 29 and 57 points in 62 meet with the Lightning last season before core traded to Philadelphia on February 25. Overall, the Czech innate broken up the crusade with 33 and 71 .

We expect critical things from Vinny in 2008-09 and beyond, Koules and Barrie said. He fits uniquely alongside Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier on our MVP line and the new tenure amalgamation is tickled these three headlong will lead us into struggle next season.

A 20-year past master, Roberts acknowledged earlier this offseason that it was questionable he would re-sign with the Penguins. The 42-year-old played in 38 sports last season, soundtrack three goals and 15 points. He had two goals and four in 11 final round .

He brings the Lightning management, insistence, grit and know-how and he will be excessive for our fresh , Koules and Barrie said. He will be remarkable for the locker room and his ability to play distinct roles at the forward point will be favorable for us next season.

Roberts, 42, has made three All-Star teams in a occupation that started with Calgary in 1987. He has itemized 434 and 903 points in 1,194 knockout.

Posted on July 1st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: NHL hockey news