TPWW Forums - Anaheim trades Prospal back to Tampa

Quote:

TAMPA, Fla. (CP) - The Tampa Bay Lightning have opted not to re-sign Cory Stillman and have plugged the lineup hole by reacquiring Vaclav Prospal from Anaheim for a second-round 2005 draft pick.

Stillman was due a 2004-2005 contract worth $3.9 million US - up from $2.75 million last season - after salary arbitration last week. The Lightning have opted to walk away, allowing the six-foot left-winger, 30, to become an unrestricted free agent.

Stillman scored 25 goals and amassed 80 points last season. In 645 NHL games with Calgary, St. Louis and Tampa Bay, the native of Peterborough, Ont., has 184 goals and 250 assists.

Prospal, 29, a six-foot-two Czech centre, scored 19 goals and assisted on 35 with the Mighty Ducks last season. In 549 NHL games with Philadelphia, Ottawa, Florida, Tampa Bay and Anaheim, he has 107 goals and 241 assists.

He's under contract for $2.5 million US next season.

``We're extremely pleased to welcome Vinnie Prospal back to Tampa,'' said GM Jay Feaster. ``I never wanted to see him leave.

``Vinnie is a dynamic, versatile player who has demonstrated a real connection playing with Vincent Lecavalier. We expect the two of them to pick up where they left off in terms of career years for each of them.''

After missing the playoffs last spring, Anaheim was intent on changing faces.

``This move gives us the opportunity to continue working towards changing the mix of our team,'' said GM Al Coates. ``The trade also allows us some flexibility going forward in terms of evaluating the young talent in our own system or from outside acquisition.''

ROFL

Picked a great time to jump ship to Anaheim. :lol:

Prospal = pwned.