Talks with Andreychuk and Prospal are in limbo

It is going to be difficult for the Lightning to sign captain Dave Andreychuk and points leader Vinny Prospal before they become unrestricted free agents.

General manager Jay Feaster said Thursday he and the players are "significantly apart" in negotiations, which if not wrapped up by July 1 likely will send both to the free market.

"I don't know if it is frustrating as it is what it is," he said. "Both players are in a unique situation."

Players can become unrestricted when their contracts run out and they are at least 31. Andreychuk is 39. Prospal, 28, can opt for unrestricted status because he is a 10-year pro (minors and NHL) and, at $1.55-million last season, made below the league-average salary.

"Offers have been rejected and counteroffers made," Feaster said. "But come July 1, if they're not done, there will be an answer in the market. Either the players will say those offers Jay made were really good. Or they will say Jay missed the boat and I'm going to get double what Jay offered at three times the term."

Neither Feaster nor Andreychuk's agent, Roland Thompson, would comment about money, and Prospal's agent, Rich Winter, could not be reached.

Andreychuk, who made $1.2-million last season plus bonuses, reportedly seeks about $2-million in a one-year deal. The Lightning is believed to be offering to match last season's total compensation. Tampa Bay reportedly offered Prospal $2.8-million. His price is unknown but it is believed he wants a five-year deal.

"I like Jay. He's a good man," Thompson said of Feaster. Still, he added, "We made a proposal that, in terms of what we believe Dave means to the team, we believe is way below market value."

Andreychuk had 20 goals last season, including a team-high 15 on the power play. But he was more important as a leader in the locker room. Prospal had 22 goals and a team-high 79 points.

"As far as where we are and what we're offering, I don't have a lot of room," Feaster said.

Feaster entered the offseason with 25 players to sign throughout the organization, including Brad Richards, Dan Boyle, John Grahame, Andre Roy, Fredrik Modin, Sheldon Keefe, Shane Willis and Brad Lukowich.

Team president Ron Campbell has said the NHL payroll will be about $33-million, $5-million more than last season.

"The bottom line is I have to get players signed and in and put a team out there," Feaster said. "I have to do it within the parameters that make sense as a hockey club and an organization. As much as you may want a player, and it doesn't matter who that player is, that doesn't mean I'm just going to throw money at the situation."

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