Who will play center for Tampa this season??

[Tampa GM]

Thats a question many people ask themselfs after the first day of free agency was made public a few hours ago. This summer both Michael Nylander and Pavol Demitra have left Tampa Bay to play in Europe, with those two moves Tampa lost their two best centers and the future doesnt look so bright in Tampa.

Many people thought that GM Martin Sedin would sign two replacements but when the results came it was obvious that Tampa came short. The franchise from Florida didnt sign any player that could help this coming season(If you dont expekt an offer sheet for Antti Niemi the goalie in Toronto). This was Tampas first offer sheet since they signed Marian Hossa a few years ago on a contract that was worth almost 30M$.

GM Sedin said that he was very disappointed of the start of the free agent period and that he didnt read the market correctly and offered not enough money for those players he was intrested.

Is everything dark in Tampa? Well, not everything, if you look one year into to the future Tampa got a few players today that could be helpful in the future.

Jonas Andersson forward who played in the KHL last season, Severin Blindenbacher a Swiss defensman who played in Sweden last season and Swedish goalie Gustaf Wesslau all signed four year contracts with the team a few hours ago.

GM Martin Sedin also confirmed that the team is running for Wick, Klasen, Gustafsson and of course Zuccarello-Aasen.

Sedin-XXXXX--Ryan
Franzen-XXXX-Hornqvist
Brunnström-XXX-Fedotenko
Krog-XXXXXX-Rissmiller

Yes thats Tampas top 12 among forwards at the moment, that shouldnt scare many teams and the fans in Florida wonders if Sedin is going for the first overall pick in 2011?

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[HFNHL Commish]

I'm a little jealous of the Wesslau signing, who I preferred over Karlsson, Endras (had he been available), and possibly Rynnas, as well.

And for everyone who gets super-excited over the latest, greatest, undiscovered Euro gems, there's the somewhat cautionary tale of Fabian Brunnstrom. ;-)

 

[Tampa GM]

GM Sedin confirmed earlier today to the media here in Florida that two teams, one in the East and one in the West have been in contact with him regarding possible trade of a 1st line center.

Sedin said that he still havent decided who to deal with the center problem, trade or play with the current roster(Who will not be anywhere near the playoffs).

Sedin continued to say that he is not a big fan of either of the centers that has been made available to him, even though we have plenty of cap space we cant take anyone.

Maybe the best option at the moment is that Michael Nylander returns from Europe and play for Tampa next season?

Other rumours in Florida mention that Sedin is willing to trade Blake Kessel and a 2nd in 2011 in a way to get that 1st line center that the team is missing.

 

[Dempsey]

It sounds to me like a certain former Canadiens and current Stars (NHL) playmaker is possibly headed to the East?

 

[Tampa GM]

It sounds to me like a certain former Canadiens and current Stars (NHL) playmaker is possibly headed to the East?

GM Martin Sedin refuse to comment on any speculations in the media

 

[Tampa GM]

It sounds to me like a certain former Canadiens and current Stars (NHL) playmaker is possibly headed to the East?

Rumor in Vancouver this afternoon is that alot of people have seen Mike Ribeiro at the airport boarding a flight to Tampa, Florida. GM Martin Sedin refused to comment any rumours but he said that the team will hold a pressconference tomorrow morning announcing the teams new first line center after Pavol Demitra.