Orlando, FL - It's been a busy week that concluded with a blockbuster trade. It was only a couple of weeks ago when GM Eric Ferraro mentioned he was content with his team moving forward, but all of that changed when they got the offer they were looking for.

First out the door were a pair of veterans. Justin Williams and Nikolay Kulemin were both sent to the Atlantic Division favorite New York Islanders. In return were a couple of picks in Rounds 3 and 4, as well as some cash to compensate the trade. Defensive Centermen Nate Thompson was added to the deal to help make the financials work.

"Nate Thompson will get some playing time during all of this, if he impresses he may return for another stint next season", said Ferraro. "He dump and chase very hard", was all coach Michel Therrien had to say.

Only a couple of days later, the big trade happened. There was interest from many teams in Cam Talbot's services, but a trade was never going to happen unless a goalie was coming back. "We had offers for better players in general, but we were never making this trade unless we had a starter ready for next season. We were not going to chance it in free agency", replied Ferraro. The best goaltender being offered up was 35 year old Mike Smith. "Smith doesn't get the credit he deserves, but he is a great goaltender, even at 35."

Mike Smith could very well be an upgrade to Cam Talbot, let that sink in. While this season is now a write-off for Tampa Bay, it doesn't matter how Smith performs this season. The team is continuing to build for next year, and Smith is the better suited goalie for that. "We lose one year of control by trading Talbot for Smith, but that works out fine for us. We like Smith, but will we like a 38 year old Mike Smith?". Contracts aside, it's a great deal for us, even moreso when you factor in the 3.5 million in savings. If we got a little desperate, hell, we may have made the deal straight up.

Instead, the Lightning also received intriguing young player Mattias Janmark, who the team sees as a solid two-way player. Janmark may be able to step in as a 3rd or 4th line winger next season, but the hope is he becomes a little more then that. They also received serviceable defensemen Brendan Dillon, who should fit nicely on the 3rd pairing. A Dallas 4th round pick was also added to the deal for good measure. "We are stock piling picks, and intend on replenishing our weak prospect depth".

There figures to be more moves to come. Jason Spezza has received some interest as of late. Calvin de Haan has been another name mentioned about. It figures to be a busy time of the year in Tampa Bay as the team expects to fully re-tool before the deadline.