Not Richards or DiPietro long, but still long.

Less than a week after drafting the top prospect in the draft, Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay ensured he’ll have a former number 1 overall pick to learn from.

Tampa Bay signed Vincent Lecavalier to a 9 year 77 million dollar contract. Lecavalier has teamed up with Martin St. Louis to form a potent one two punch, and now with the addition of Stamkos and new head coach Barry Melrose, the hope is that Tampa Bay can make a quick turn around and be back in the playoffs next year. Considering the Southeast Division is terrible, it’s not out of the question.