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By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 4, 2001
UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Jay Grossman, agent for Coyotes goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, made his strongest statement concerning the Lightning's chances of trading for his client.
"Tampa Bay has a very good shot," Grossman said Saturday. "We'll see how it plays out."
Grossman said this after an hour conversation with Lightning general manager Rick Dudley, who will meet tonight in Phoenix with Coyotes GM Cliff Fletcher. They then head to the GM meetings that begin Monday in Palm Springs, Calif.
Eight teams are thought to be involved with the Lightning, a front-runner with the Rangers, Blackhawks and Thrashers.
"There is nothing imminent," Fletcher said. "We're going to evaluate our options very diligently and make whatever decision we think appropriate."
The only Lightning player consistently rumored to be part of the trade is defenseman Paul Mara, with the IHL's Vipers.
The Rangers are said to be offering prospects Pavel Brendl and Jamie Lundmark. But speculation is GM Glen Sather might add center Michael York.
Fletcher is a former Lightning adviser, which will help him evaluate what Tampa Bay is offering, especially when it comes to prospects and minor-leaguers.
"If anything that would be a positive as far as the possibility of the Lightning and ourselves making a deal," Fletcher said.