Tampa Times
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Tampa, FL. - The Lightning announced today that defencemen Andrej Meszaros has been dealt today to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Also headed to Toronto are Kyle Chipchura and 3rd rd pick in the 08 draft. In exchange the Lightning are welcoming defencemen Christian Ehrhoff, winger Taylor Pyatt and centermen Matthew Lombardi to the mix. Tampa also recieves a mid season rerate which should help with the players coming to Tampa.
The Lightning are now looking to move forward Shawn Bates for a defencemen. With the departure of Meszaros we may need to strengthen our blueline and would be willing to add a pick or a prospect to the deal dependiing on the player. UFA's are welcome but salary is a minor concern.
The 3 new players added put the Lightning over the 39 million dollar salary cap so in order to get under, the Lightning sent defencemen Keith Ballard to the minors until they get there salary structure back in order. Hopefully we can move Bates soon to get Keith back to Tampa.