Tampa - The Lightning have sunk in the standings and after a sluggish start, Gm Sprackman has decided one thing. Time for some changes in Tampa. First change was something that was in the works for some time. A few days ago, Gm Sprackman recieved a phone call from the Gm of the Rangers. He asked if the team would be interested in trading Thibault. Now at first the offer was for Lehtonen and both parties kinda had a deal in place but after more dialogue the deal came about last night.

Leaving the Cup Champs are Jocelyn Thibault and Jonathan Girard. Thibault had a strong year last season and helped the Bolts to a dream season with a perfect finish but this year it has been a struggle and Gm Sprackman's patience wore off.

"I have been watching crap teams beat us like the Sens and I couldn't have watched Thibault in net any more. I hope he plays well for the Rangers but for what he makes and what he was giving us was not worth the money. We shed that noose and gives us some space on the cap to make other deals for the team." Gm Sprakman said after the deal was announced.

Coming to Tampa are 2 more young players that should help the team for years to come. Kari Lehtonen will be the teams future goalie and right now will back up Hurme in net. If Jani isn't able to play well, Kari will be ready to play some solid minutes for the Bolts.

"All I want to do is play. Was I surprised I was traded from the Rangers? Yes, actually I was but to come to a team that just won the cup, and on paper has a chance of playing there again, I think it is a great chance for me. I will just work hard and give them everything I can. Hopefully I can get some time in net and display what I can do." Lehtonen said upon hearing he was traded.

In Vaananen, the Bolts add another young Dman that is tough and will hopefully fit in well in Tampa. If the coaching staff can control his temper, he will develop into a great 5th or 6th Dman for the team.

What does this mean for other players on the Bolts? Well, the team as actively shopped Lemieux, Svehla, Nylander, Weight, Prospal and others to try to get younger and cheaper. We shall see if any deals come around but from what I hear in Tampa, this is just the beginning.