Lightning GM Dudley: Lindros is a long shot

Searching for a forward, Rick Dudley talks to the Philadelphia Flyers about restricted free agent Eric Lindros.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 15, 2000

Lightning general manager Rick Dudley said it as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Of course he spoke to Philadelphia Flyers president and general manager Bobby Clarke about acquiring Eric Lindros. Why wouldn't he?

"I wouldn't get too excited about it," Dudley said Friday. "We've talked. I talk to most GMs once a week. I don't think it will come to fruition. I would say it would be a very, very long shot."

Long shot or not, Dudley exploring the possibility should provide fodder for the NHL rumor mill and talk among Tampa Bay fans, who are awaiting the acquisition of the scoring forward the Lightning badly needs.

The 27-year-old center certainly would put fannies in the seats.

Lindros fits Dudley's mold perfectly. He is 6 feet 4, 236 pounds, has scored 290 goals in eight NHL seasons (an average of 36.2) and has a mean streak.

The downside is his health. Lindros has sustained six concussions, four last season, and has said he does not know if he will be ready to play.

Then there is the price tag.

Lindros made $8.5-million last season. He is a restricted free agent and unsigned, though Philadelphia has retained the right to match outside offers by making an $8.5-million qualifying offer for next season. The offer includes a minor-league component that would pay Lindros $85,000. The Flyers could pick up part of that if a trade occurred, or Lindros could turn down the qualifying offer (he has until July 31 to decide), which would open the contract for negotiations.

There is no doubt Philadelphia would demand much in trade.

"It would be a prohibitive deal," Dudley said.

There is also the behind-the-scenes stuff.

Clarke declined comment Friday, but the Knight Ridder News Service said he has blasted Carl Lindros, Eric's father and agent, and Eric's mother, Bonnie, for meddling in team affairs and being overprotective of their son.

According to Knight Ridder, Clarke said he wants Lindros back, but "we don't want his mom and dad back."

"I understand there have been problems in Philadelphia," Dudley said. "Over the years I've heard people talk about Eric Lindros and all of them think he's a real good guy in the dressing room."

For now, the subject is idling.

"I'm not going to say this won't be revisited," Dudley said.

"Who knows? It's fun to think about having players of that level in our lineup."

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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