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New GM won't be in a hurry

Jay Feaster can trade starting Tuesday but he says he won't rush.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 25, 2002

The shackles come off at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

That's when NHL teams, prohibited from making trades during the Olympic break, can resume wheeling and dealing.

New Lightning general manager Jay Feaster said he could pull a deal or two before the March 19 trade deadline. Maybe a big one, maybe a few minor ones. Then again, maybe he won't.

"I'm not sitting here with an itchy trigger finger," he said. "I'm not going to do something just for the sake of doing something."

In other words, as the new GM on the block, Feaster does not think he has to make his presence felt if the deal doesn't fall into his comfort zone.

One thing is certain: Vinny Lecavalier will not be traded.

"I have talked to Vinny and told him he's part of what we're about and where we're going," Feaster said. "I've made that clear."

Others speculated to be off the table: goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, forwards Brad Richards, Fredrik Modin, Martin St. Louis, Dave Andreychuk, Sheldon Keefe, Nikita Alexeev, defensemen Cory Sarich, Pavel Kubina, Jassen Cullimore, Mathieu Biron and Nolan Pratt and prospect Alexander Svitov.

It is no secret what the Lightning needs: scoring, toughness and, like all teams, a top-four defenseman. The first item is most important.

"What I've said is we absolutely need to find a goal scorer," Feaster said. "It's an important thing long-term and short-term."

Scorers don't come cheap, but when you consider the team's league-worst 113 goals, you seriously consider paying the price.

The most appetizing trade bait is Kevin Weekes. The goaltender has played just 18 games and, through agent Paul Theofanous, has asked to be traded.

Given his .917 save percentage and the nondisruptive way he has handled his cut in playing time, his value is high. And given the reemergence of Khabibulin, Tampa Bay can deal from strength.

Who might need a goalie? The Maple Leafs, Sabres, Canucks and Blackhawks and, if Feaster doesn't mind trading within the division, the Hurricanes and Thrashers.

Feaster also may be willing to part with defensive prospect Kristian Kudroc and defenseman Dan Boyle. If Boyle goes, expect a defenseman who can move the puck in return as Boyle has filled that role admirably since being acquired from Florida.

Whatever the Lightning does, it will be extremely difficult to make a run at the playoffs. With 48 points, the team is 13 behind the Rangers for the final spot in the Eastern Conference.

If New York goes 11-11-1 in its final 23 games, it would end the season with 84 points. To match, Tampa Bay would have to win 18 of its final 24 games, beginning Tuesday against the Red Wings; a daunting task for any team.

Feaster acknowledged the predicament but said he is not giving up on the season.

"There are 24 games left here, 24 important games," he said. "We're going to focus on those 24. Not what came before, but what comes now."

You could almost hear those shackles falling to the ground as he spoke.

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