Tampa's new ownership headed by Oren Koules and Len Barrie strive to be different. That's evident in the front office changes and roster decisions that continue to emerge.
Vincent Lecavalier's mammoth nine year, $77 million extension will make a splash when the Lightning are able to announce it, in the meantime there's a rumour floating around the NHL that suggests veteran defenseman Dan Boyle may be a trade target.
In February, Boyle signed a six-year, $40 dollar contract extension which includes a no-trade clause. Boyle's agent George Bazos says the Lightning haven't asked the 31-year old to waive his no-trade, at least not yet. However, if the Lightning are as aggressive on July 1st as they intend to be, they may need the cap space.
The teams with interest in Brian Campbell will have trade interest in Dan Boyle.
Mats Sundin met with his Swedish based representative, Claes Elefalk, today and the big Swede also spoke at length with Montreal general manager Bob Gainey. However, Sundin remains noncommital as to whether he will play or not.
He simply hasn't made up his mind.
Is it likely he plays? Yes, but until he officially decides ... the waiting game continues.
While the Montréal Canadiens have exclusivity to negotiate with Sundin, they have yet to make any formal offer, opting to wait until the prized centre acknowledges his interest.
The Anaheim Ducks expect Scott Niedermayer to declare his intentions on Thursday when Niedermayer meets with general manager Brian Burke.
Niedermayer has one year remaining on his contract, so Thursday's decision will impact how burke approaches Tuesday's free agent frenzy.