Lightning adds depth to its defensive corps

TAMPA - Pascal Trepanier is not the ultimate solution to the Lightning's defensive shortfall, but now he's part of the equation.

The Lightning signed the 29-year-old to a one-year contract Wednesday as general manager Jay Feaster continues to hunt for a "legitimate, established" defenseman, he said.

"We still have another hole to fill on the blue line," Feaster said. "We expect to fill it through free agency or with a trade to round out our top six."

The 6-foot, 210-pound Trepanier has 12 goals, 22 assists and 252 penalty minutes in 229 games over six seasons. He appeared just once (for Nashville) last season, however, spending the rest of the season in the AHL. Trepanier will earn a base of $150,000 and as much as $385,000 by earning a roster spot. The Lightning defense includes Jassen Cullimore, Cory Sarich, Pavel Kubina, Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich with veteran Darren Rumble and a cache of rookies vying for roster spots.

"If we carry seven defensemen, I expect Trepanier and Rumble will wage a tremendous battle. And if they don't make the club, they will go help the kids at Hershey," Feaster said, referring to the team's AHL affiliate.

BRUINS: Defenseman Hal Gill was re-signed to a one-year deal. In 76 games last season, he had four goals and 13 assists.

DUCKS: Defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski re-signed for one year, and the team exercised a one-year option on goaltender Martin Gerber. Vishnevski had two goals and six assists in 80 games last season. Gerber played in 22 games and had a 1.95 goals-against average.

ISLANDERS: Sean Bergenheim, a first-round pick in 2002, signed a three-year deal. He had two goals and five assists in six games at the world junior championships.

WILD: Left wing Antti Laaksonen was re-signed to a one-year deal. He had 15 goals and 16 assists last season.

- Information from other news organizations was used in this report.

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