So few days remain until the start of the 2016 NHL free agent period. It's a ramble type of blog post that reflects and glimpses forward at the challenge ahead.
Eight years ago was a much hyped and questionable era for the Tampa Bay Lightning with thanks to the transfer of ownership from Palace Sports and Entertainment to OK Hockey Group. There was the hype surrounding Vincent Lecavalier's gargantuan contract extension, the hiring of Barry Melrose (who'd gotten plenty of exposure by way of broadcasting) to replace John Tortorella, and the attention and press that the likes of Len Barrie and Oren Koules kept getting their hands on with other transactions.