TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -The Tampa Bay Lightning signed left wing Gary Roberts to a one-year contract and forward Vinny Prospal to a multiyear deal on Monday.
Roberts was acquired along with Ryan Malone from Pittsburgh on Saturday in exchange for a conditional draft pick in 2009. The team has been negotiating with Malone on a multiyear deal, hoping to get something done before he can become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday.
Canadian sports channel TSN reported Sunday night that Tampa Bay had a seven-year, $35.1 million deal with Malone in place, but the team has not confirmed that.
Tampa Bay also acquired the rights to forward Brian Rolston, another player who could become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday, from Minnesota on Sunday and were trying to work out a contract with him.
Roberts, a three-time NHL All-Star, had three goals and 15 points with 40 penalty minutes in 38 games last season. He has played in 1,194 career games with Calgary, Carolina, Toronto, Florida and Pittsburgh, recording 434 career goals and 903 points.
Tampa Bay acquired the rights to Prospal on June 18 in return for two draft picks. He played in 62 games with the Lightning last season, picking up 29 goals and 57 points before being traded to Philadelphia on February 25.
Also, the Lightning obtained minor league defenseman Janne Niskala from the Flyers for a sixth round draft pick in 2009.
Add A Comment