February 14, 2013; Tampa FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Cory Conacher (89) skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Tampa Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This move comes totally out of left field.

Cory Conacher is poised to be the rookie of the year this year. In the 35 games that the young forward has played for the Lightning this season, he netted 9 goals and 15 assists for a total of 24 points.

He is currently one point shy of Florida Panthers rookie Jonathan Huberdeau for first place among rookies.

I still can’t quite wrap my head around this. I completely understand the simple fact that you have to give something to get something, but is it really necessary to trade away one of the most valuable players that our recently reenergized team has?

The Tampa Bay Lightning has played the proverbial “Musical Chairs” with goalies over the last few years; from Mike Smith and Dwayne Roloson, to Mathieu Garon, Anders Lindback, and even Dustin Tokarski and Cedrick Desjardins. I am starting to wonder if our goaltending issue is not with the goalie itself, but with the goalie coach.

However, that is another story for another day.

I can assure you that Conacher will surely be missed by the Bolts Nation. As I said before, the charismatic, young rookie is setting himself up to be a real contender for Rookie of the Year this year. If given the opportunity to mature and blossom, I am certain that he will be a 50-goal scoring machine the likes of Steven Stamkos in no time at all.

We here at Bolts By The Bay wish Cory all the luck, wherever he may end up. Whether it be with Ottawa or with another NHL team, Conacher will always have a spot in the hearts of Lightning fans around the world.

What are your thought and opinions on today’s trade? Do you think the ends were worth the means, or do you think we gave away too much? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think.

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Mar 19, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo (1) during the first period against the St. Louis Blues at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Lightning have not come to terms with the Vancouver Canuck goaltender, but this got your attention, didn’t it? April Fools!

In REAL news Steve Yzerman announced today that they signed forward Tanner Richard to a three year, two level entry contract.

Richard was originally drafted 17th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The 19 year old has played in 52 games this season with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In those he has scored 11 goals and 62 points.  Topping those numbers, he has recorded 94 penalty minutes. He’s skated in 95 OHL games, scored 24 goals, and 110 points.

Richard represented Switzerland at the 2013 IIHF World Jr. Championships in Russia, posting 4 assists and +2 rating in 6 tournament games.

Hope you have a great April Fools, keep your guard up. Welcome to Tampa, Tanner!

Dolly Dolce
@HulaDolly