Tampa Bay Lightning – Page 3

Shane O’Brien’s finally settling down!

Congratulations are in order to former Nashville Predators defenseman, Shane O’Brien as the Colorado Avalanche sign the 28-year-old to a three-year, $6 Million contract. O’Brien is set to make $1.8 Million his first year under the contract, $2 Million in the 2nd year, then finally $2.2 Million in the third.

When word of Jordin Tootoo’s need to be free of Nashville was announced, it was tossed around as to wether Nashville would make a run for the defenseman once again. However, Shane O’Brien didn’t wait until July 1st to hit UFA, snatching up Colorado’s offer as they dealt it.

Signing this three-year contract more than likely comes as a relief to O’Brien, as the brutal enforcer hasn’t had time to set roots in any teams he has been with so far. Those teams? The Anaheim Ducks (1 year), the Tampa Bay Lightning (3 years), the Vancouver Canucks (1 year), and the Nashville Predators (1 year). Okay, so he spent some time in Tampa Bay, but bouncing around the league eventually takes its toll.

We were personally sad when the Predators did not offer O’Brien a contract last summer, but after posting three goals and 20 points this past season, it seems he’s found a fit in Denver.

Shane was well liked for his short time in Nashville and, as such, we wish him the best of luck the next three years with the Avalanche. The Predators host the first meeting between Colorado on October 16th in the 2012-13 season.

Photo courtesy of Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Anders and his gummy bears will be truly missed in Nashville.

Welp, the first of the trades began today as backup goalie Anders Lindback and center Kyle Wilson were traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for two 2nd-Round picks in this year’s draft (which starts next Friday), a 3rd-Round pick in next year’s draft, and the rights to goalie Sebastien Caron.

After losing key draft picks for Paul Gaustad and Andrei Kostitsyn (one of which is for certain not returning next season), General Manager David Poile needed to make some drastic changes in order to make up for the trade deadline backfire. With the Lindback trade, Poile has jumped back to the front of the pack.

Along with the trade, Poile also informed us all that Ryan Suter will indeed test out the Free Agency waters (like we didn’t see that one coming). Poile stated that Suter will, however, see what other teams will offer him, then see if Nashville will counteract with an offer of their own.

As for who will replace Anders, it will more than likely be Jeremy Smith, the starting goalie in Milwaukee. Also in his press conference, Poile announced that Magnus Hellberg would be coming over from Sweden this upcoming season, meaning he will more than likely take Smith’s goaltending position with the Admirals.

Anders Lindback proved that he was ready to step into the spotlight this past season, so (even though we will miss him dearly) this trade works well in Lindback’s favor for sure. Being the starting goalie along with players such as Stamkos and St. Louis? Yes, we think Anders will do just fine.

We wish Anders well in Tampa Bay and will always welcome him back to Nashville.

How the Predators are shaping up as of June 15th, 2012: