Bolts Re-Sign Thompson

The Tampa Bay Lightning have obviously enjoyed what they've seen out of the depth signing of Nate Thompson from this Summer, as the team has re-signed the rugged forward to a new 2-year deal, reportedly worth $850,000 per season.

Thompson gained some rave reviews on Long Island in the 2010 season, before becoming an unrestricted free agent, which caught the attention of Tampa's new General Manager and from there, it was a match made in Florida.

Now, Thompson isn't really a fantasy-type player in my pools, where it is just scoring that we go on, but he may have some fantasy value with some of the grittier stats like penalty minutes or hits, if your pool was to count them.  His scoring, however, has taken a positive turn in 2011, having 17 points in 51 games in Tampa, he's nearly doubled his career-best in points, which was likely a leading factor to the decision to re-sign him.

With new ownership in tow for the Lightning, became new possibilities and new spending.  The Lightning, full up to the brim with talent, having been hanging out around the top teams in the league, in terms of spending.  A very good place to be, if one's team can be there.  Going down the list, however, there are plenty of potential free agents down the roster, which gives the team plenty of flexibility.  With 12 players and two buyouts on the books already for the 2012 season, I have the Lightning at $38.1 million against the cap, with Steven Stamkos yet to be signed to his first deal outside of entry-level.  That's pretty good shape, if you ask me.

The Lightning can really sit down and evaluate their club and the early results of the Yzerman era and make all kinds of moves in their flexible roster and they'll likely have a great deal of cash flow to work with this Summer.  Very exciting times for the Lightning.