Daigle returns with Rangers

One-time Lightning wing comes up from minors just in time for trip to Tampa Bay.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 24, 1999

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TAMPA -- Alexandre Daigle didn't hesitate. When asked what bothered him most about being reassigned by the Lightning during training camp, he came up with a quote attributed to Tampa Bay general manager Rick Dudley.

"They said I didn't have any passion and didn't want to play," Daigle said "I don't think that was true."

Daigle, now a right wing for the Rangers after a trade for future considerations, would love to prove his point tonight at the Ice Palace.

"Any time you get to play against your ex-team, it's always exciting," he said.

This already should be an exciting time for Daigle. The 24-year-old, who was the No. 1 pick in the 1993 draft, was called up from the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack last week and had two assists as the Rangers rallied from a 3-0 deficit Saturday before falling to the Maple Leafs in overtime.

He got the chance because of injuries to New York center Manny Malhotra (ankle) and right wing Todd Harvey (knee). His six goals and 13 assists in 16 games didn't hurt either.

"I had to play," Daigle said. "The only way to come back to the NHL was to do that. For sure, I don't want to go back (to the minors) so every time I get a chance to play is very important."

Dudley and Lightning coach Steve Ludzik obviously did not sense that urgency in camp.

Daigle came to the Lightning from Philadelphia in late January in a three-way trade that sent Alex Selivanov to Edmonton. In 32 games, he had six goals and six assists. "He's a guy who got too much too soon," Dudley said. "Now he's had a little kick in the teeth."

There are still indications he needs a kick in the pants from time to time.

During a series of sprints at the end of Tuesday's practice at the Ice Palace, Rangers coach John Muckler said Daigle "died at the blue line." In other words, he got tired and pulled up.

"If you are going to play in the NHL, you have to prepare yourself to be mentally tough," Muckler said. "If you're going to get yourself in the habit of dying at the blue line, you will do that in the game too.

"There's nothing wrong with his skill level. He has an excellent skill level and when you look at it, he deserved to be drafted first in the first round. He's just got to carry that. You've got to know playing in the NHL is a privilege."

Right now, Daigle is happy for the chance. That the Lightning are on the schedule is a bonus.

"I'm not going to lie to you and tell you I'm thrilled with those guys," he said of Dudley and Ludzik. "But you have to turn the page.

"Scoring and winning would be the best scenario for me, to do well and stay up here and have a long career with the Rangers."

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