Tampa Bay Lightning

St-Pete's Gazette

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a few trades during the last two weeks to improve their roster.  Many teams are now wondering if the Bolts are rebuilding, or making a push to the playoffs.

John Lu from TSN was granted three questions with GM St-Pierre on the reasons behind the changes in Tampa.

Q:  Why did you traded so many key players like Scrivens, Sharp and Lecavalier?

A:  Well, the answer is simple.  I had too many player with large contracts attached for the years to come, and also getting a bit too old.  I traded Scrivens because he wasn't worth 4 mil as a back up goalie.  Lecavalier....well.....I have nothing to say than Thanks god is gone!!!!.......and for Sharp it was very difficult because he was our top scorer, cheap contract, but like all players, when they reach a certain age, it's time to let them go.  Receiving a top elite rookie in Hertl, and another yougster in Gagner for Sharp, I thought it was time fo a change in the future of the Bolts.

Q:  Many teams are wondering what is your plans for the 2014-2015 playoffs race or are you rebuilding?

A:  Since I was hired as the GM for the Tampa Bay Lightnings, I made the playoffs every years.  Doesn't matter if I trade or not, I have one goal in mind, the Stanley Cup.  You have to understand, our division is the most powerful of the SIM.  Power houses like Detroit, Boston, Toronto and Buffalo are really hard to beat.  Each night we play, we need the wins to make sure we don't let them take too much lead in the standing.  But let me assure you, I always try to get younger with lots of potential players.  Rebuilding, not really!!!, because my roster is already really promissing with guys like Hertl, Pavelski, Stastny, Tatar, Dekeyser, Halak, Rousell, Ennis and Vlasic for years to come.  I won the "GM of the Year" award last year because of many factors, and one of them was reflecting the future of the team. The Bolts are going to the playoffs again this year, and that's a promise!!!!

Q: Why trading for Brodeur?

A: The reason was simple, Brodeur is 42 years old, and looking to win his last Stanley Cup.  He contacted me and asked me if a spot was available in my roster for a guy like him.  When I asked him why the Tampa Bay Lightning, he told me this.  " There are no teams in the SIMS that I would like to help win the Stanley Cup and finish my career with better than the Tampa Bay Lightning.  You are a well respected team in the SIM, and it's time for you to raise the Stanley Cup"    When I heard that statement, I felt that I am and always going in the right direction with the future of this team.  Having the experiences of Brodeur in front of the net, our team will feel it time for the Bolts to raise the cup.

In addition to these questions, the Bolts solidify their blueline with Jackman, and aquired Hertl, Ganger and Roussel to their front lines. Can the Bolts keep the lead over the Panthers with their 7 wins in a row?....and keep closing the gap between Buffalo, Boston and Toronto in the standing.

Stay tunes.....

John Lu - TSN