Lightning/NHL

Burke put on waivers, could go to Springfield

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published September 26, 2006

MONTREAL - As expected, the Lightning on Monday put Sean Burke on waivers, and general manager Jay Feaster said if the goaltender is not claimed, which will be known at noon today, he will be assigned to AHL Springfield.

Burke, 39, a 17-year veteran and three-time All-Star, said he will report and believes he can still play.

"I'd like to go to Springfield, get some good practices in and see what happens around the league," Burke said by phone from his home in Phoenix, where he is taking care of some personal business.

Burke's fate apparently was sealed in June when Tampa Bay signed top Swedish goalie Johan Holmqvist.

The Lightning tried to trade Burke, but his $1.6-million salary made that a non-starter as did the collective bargaining agreement, which prohibits teams from paying a portion of the salary of traded players.

Burke likely will not be claimed today as the claiming team would have to pick up his entire salary.

The most likely mechanism for a claim will be when Burke goes on waivers to be recalled to the NHL. In that scenario, the claiming team would assume half Burke's salary and the Lightning would save a like amount on its cap number. If Burke is not claimed, he can be sent back to Springfield.

Feaster said a buyout, in which Burke would have been paid two-thirds his salary, was not feasible because, under the CBA, the full salary would still count against the cap.

In that context, Feaster said, it makes sense to keep Burke as the No. 3 goalie, especially since the next three on the depth chart - Karri Ramo, Jonathan Boutin and Gerald Coleman - are no older than 21.

Burke said he will go to Springfield with the right attitude.

"The game is always fun and competitive on any level," he said. "I'm going down there and get on the ice and look at it as an opportunity to work with the younger guys. It's a new experience in my career."

As for how the situation was handled, Burke said, "I have nothing negative to say. It's a classy organization and there's a good bunch of guys on the team."

ANOTHER AUDITION: Tonight's game against the Canadiens at the Bell Centre could be the last chance for players on the bubble.

The team will make cuts tonight or Wednesday, and coach John Tortorella said there is an outside chance the roster will be set. That means players such as defensemen Andy Delmore and Doug Janik, and forwards Eric Perrin, Nick Tarnasky, Mitch Fritz and Norm Milley are on notice.

"It's biting nails a little bit," Milley said. "It's a little nervous, but I think nerves help you play a little better."

Said Tarnasky: "You have to go out and do the best you can so you can walk away knowing you gave it all you got."

LECAVALIER SHINING: Vinny Lecavalier has four goals and, entering Monday, a league-high nine points in three games. The center said he does not get too worked up over preseason numbers, but Tortorella said he likes what he sees, especially on the power play.

"Vinny has done a good job moving with the puck and without the puck," he said. "He's skating with the puck and not looking to pass it all the time. I thought his patience on the power play (Sunday against the Stars) was the key to our success."

SAY WHAT? Feaster said he was surprised when wing Nikita Alexeev, whose right eye was almost damaged by a stick blade Friday against the Red Wings, said he will not wear a visor after the injury heals.

"I thought he was brighter than that," Feaster said.

HOME BODIES: Feaster said goaltender Marc Denis (immigration issue) and center Andreas Karlsson (groin fatigue) did not make the trip. Minor-leaguer Blair Jones is expected to take Karlsson's place. Ramo likely will be Holmqvist's backup.

Also not on the trip: Lecavalier and linemates Vinny Prospal and Ruslan Fedotenko, and defenseman Cory Sarich.

[Last modified September 26, 2006, 01:37:53]