Player Profile: Mario Lemieux

The Lightning made one move last season that turned the team from playoff contender to Cup Champs. They went out and traded for All Star Mario Lemieux. Lacking a true number one center, Gm Sprackman decided to take a chance on the older centerman and it paid off better then Gm Sprackman expected. Mario did play only 63 games but scored 40 goals in that time. He was a force the whole year and helped the team to a Cup.

"I must say, I was not looking to get an older player with a big contract like Mario but with good wingers I needed to get someone who could feed them the puck and bring some leadership at the center position." Gm Sprackman stated. "We had a few spare parts and so after some talks we decided to go and get Mario. Glad we did and we can now see it was probably my best move so far."

Mario is on the last year of his contract and there are rumours it could be his last season. Gm Sprackman tried to unload him earlier but decided that Mario will retire as a Bolt and hopefully will help the team win back to back Cups in Clutch. He will be setting up Hejduk and Calder and hopefully will allow both to have career years. His presence should help alot and if he can repeat what he did last season will be a great bonus. Hopefully he can stay healthy for the whole year and maybe reaach the 50 goal mark for the Bolts.

Mario is going to be playing this year on the top line but Gm Sprakman has hinted he will not see much PP or PK time to give him less minutes and hopefully escape any injury this season. With all the good players on the team, Gm Sprackman is confident that the team will be able to get by with Mario playing 16-18 minutes a night. Mario will be more rested for another long playoff run and hopefully bring the cup back to Tampa.