Keefe, Willis take pay cut, re-sign with Lightning
By BRANT JAMES
Published July 31, 2003
TAMPA - Right wings Sheldon Keefe and Shane Willis tried to ensure their price was right for an NHL team, be that team the Lightning or another.
Keefe, 22, who appeared in 37 games with Tampa Bay last season, and Willis, 26, who spent 55 games at AHL Springfield, signed one-year, two-way contracts Wednesday. Both restricted free agents took sizable pay cuts, which could make them more marketable in trade or for teams wishing to claim them off waivers. Both would have to clear waivers to be assigned to the minor leagues.
"They have to look at our team and see who they're competing against," general manager Jay Feaster said. "If there is a dramatic difference in the salary they are making, sometimes the player has to be that much better.
"You don't want to be in a position where salary is an issue."
Keefe signed a $700,000 NHL deal - with $200,000 more available in performance bonuses - and a $100,000 minor-league contract. He is guaranteed $175,000. Keefe took a $275,000 pay cut from his entry-level NHL deal.
"I do have something to prove," Keefe said. "The way the team finished last year and me not being a part of it ... I feel I have to start to become the player I know I can be."
Willis signed a $525,000 NHL contract, $65,000 for the minors and is guaranteed $125,000. He played under a one-way, $616,000 contract last season that was no bargain considering his time spent in Springfield.
Keefe's ability to play on lower lines could enhance his chances over Willis, whose style dictates he play on the first or second group. The pay cut helps more, agent David Frost said. Agent Jim Nice said Willis "is prepared to make the team," but accepted the pay cut to "protect his downside."
Keefe, a second-round pick in the 1999 entry draft, had two goals, five assists and 24 penalty minutes last season, but struggled with his skating and did not establish himself as a full-time player. Acquired in a March 2002 trade that sent goalie Kevin Weekes to Carolina, Willis had a poor training camp last summer and was relegated to Springfield.
FLYERS: Restricted free-agent forwards Justin Williams (one-year deal) and Radovan Somik (two year) re-signed.
PANTHERS: Right wing Jarsolav Bednar signed a one-year contract. The free agent had five goals and 22 assists in 67 games with the Panthers and Kings last season.
PENGUINS: Defenseman Dick Tarnstrom agreed to a $2.5-million, two-year contract. Also, Mario Lemieux is expected to announce today he will play another season.
RANGERS: Brian Leetch will return for a 17th season, agreeing to a two-year contract. The unrestricted free agent reportedly settled for a pay cut after earning $9.68-million last season, when he had 12 goals and 18 assists.
RED WINGS: Free-agent forward Ray Whitney signed a three-year, $9.75-million deal. Whitney, who led Columbus in scoring a year ago with 76 points, has a club and player option for a fourth year worth up to $4-million.
WILD: Goalie Manny Fernandez re-signed. He tied a career high with 19 wins and had a career-best .923 save percentage last season.
- Staff writer Damian Cristodero contributed to this report, which used Times wires.
