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Bolts build up along blue line

Associated Press file photo (2006)

Ohlund's deal is reported to be worth $25 million, and $3.75 million will be applied against this year's cap.

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 2, 2009

TAMPA - The Lightning were the first team to take their shopping cart to the free agent checkout counter Wednesday, and they wound up doing an extreme makeover of the defensive core.

After suiting up an NHL-record 23 different defensemen last season, Tampa Bay signed steady veteran Mattias Ohlund to a seven-year contract worth $26.25 million to serve as the anchor of a revamped defense. Ohlund spent the first 11 seasons of his career with Vancouver, which selected him 13th overall in the 1994 draft.

The Lightning also signed rugged 29-year-old, 6-foot-3 defenseman Matt Walker, who has 354 career penalty minutes in 240 games with St. Louis and Chicago. Walker signed a four-year contract worth $6.8 million.

Defenseman Lukas Krajicek was also re-signed to a one-year contract Wednesday.

The highlight of the day was the addition of Ohlund, 32, regarded as one of the top free agents on the market. He fits the Lightning's needs like a corner puzzle piece, and he can act as a mentor to fellow Swede Victor Hedman, the team's No. 2 overall pick in last week's draft.

"When you have a checklist of things you are looking for, you look at the power play, the penalty kill, he's a shutdown guy, he's worked with younger players, he's a fellow countrymate of Victor Hedman, he's the whole checklist, it's not just three of the five categories," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said.

When Ohlund picked up the phone in his native Sweden on Wednesday afternoon and the Lightning were on the other end, he immediately felt like it was the right fit. He agreed to terms with Tampa Bay 15 minutes after the signing period's opening.

"I was ecstatic when they first called, and I just felt like this is the place I wanted to be," Ohlund said. "I think Tampa has a very talented hockey club. When you look at the names they have, they have a talented group. I do think I can help out and provide a lot of experience and be a big part of helping their D corps.

"I feel that I have my best years ahead of me and I'm extremely excited about the next little while here."

In 770 career games, Ohlund has scored 93 goals and 325 points, leaving Vancouver as the all-time franchise leader in goals by a defenseman. He is a three-time Olympian and was a member of Sweden's 2006 Olympic gold medal team.

He understands that one of his roles is to serve as a mentor for Hedman, the 6-6 defenseman drafted last week, and to help the 18-year-old acclimate to the NHL and life in North America.

"I'm sure I'm going to be calling Hedman and talking to him the next few days after things settle down," Ohlund said. "It's a tough league to play in; he's got a lot to learn. I'm excited to be a small part of getting him started here."

Lightning general manager Brian Lawton said targeting Ohlund was the team's Plan A when the free agent market opened, and he is happy there was no need to move on to a Plan B or C in addressing the team's top need.

"This is a big move for our team, and the right move at the right time," Lawton said of adding Ohlund. "This is our anchor on defense."

Lawton quickly moved in on Walker, another player the team targeted for his physical play and toughness.

"It was an easy decision for me," Walker said. "I like the direction of where the team is going, they have a lot of good young players ... I'm excited."

There is still work for Lawton to do. The team still needs a backup goaltender to replace Karri Ramo, who signed in Russia, and Lawton would like to add another forward.

"We have a lot of confidence that we can proceed slowly with a real deliberate plan to continue to get significantly better," Lawton said.

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835.

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