Patrick Weircioch

St-Pete's Gazette

With the first three games of the pre-season punched in, GM St-Pierre and managments are happy to see their rookies chipping in with the victories so far.

Coach Capuano didn't take much time to let the rookies knows they need to impress right away if they want some ice time.  His first line consist of Stastny at center with Vey and younger Mcginn on the wing.

Assistant Gibeault is going the same route with his rookies defenceman with Postma and Weircioch on the third line earning an average of 25% of the ice time.

But the spotlight is on Patrick Weircioch since the pre-season had started.  Recording a point or more on each games played (1 goal , 3 assits), GM St-Pierre and management are thinking moving him to the second or maybe the first line.  Players like Yandle, Gonchar, Buffy or even Vlasic are hard to move to the third line.  But with Buffy and Yandle scoreless, you think they will have to step up in the next games coming up.

We all know St-Pierre is not afraid to make big splash trades.  His favorite quote last year was " If you don't produce on the ice, you don't belong in Tampa".  Trading players like Stamkos, Thornton and Marleau last year....doesn't mean his team is ready.  With the predictions of GM Lozinski mentionning that the bolts have "so many roster holes", who knows what's next.

TSN Sources tweeded earlier this morning that Byfluglien was in trade talks, but nothing was carved in stones.  With Weircicoch gaining points, could he really be next?!?

Focusing on the pre-season, GM St-Pierre is also focusing on another rivalery bbut against the Boston Bruins, no really hockey related, but regarding the challenge he received for the 2013-2014 Cheerleaders.  The Bruins actually told the Bolts that their Chearleaders were "Rookies".  Some words GM St-Pierre didn't digested yet!!!

Tampa Bay will have to compete even harder this year, because with the new alignments, the team felt in the toughest division.  When everything is possible with the SIM Factor, every two points will be well deserved.  Looking at the stats from last year, the Bolts better be prepare or no playoff spot will be awarded for free.

Stay tunes, TSN analyst will try to know more about sometrade talks circulating around Tampa.

John Lu - TSN