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Lightning make qualifying offers to nine players, not McKenna

Tribune file photo by JASON BEHNKEN

Goaltender Mike McKenna (30) was one of two restricted free agents the Lightning did not give a qualifying offer, even though injured starter Mike Smith is the only other goalie on the roster with NHL experience.

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 29, 2009

TAMPA - The Lightning sent qualifying offers to nine of the team's 11 restricted free agents on Monday.

Goaltender Mike McKenna was not on the list.

By sending the offers, the team retains negotiating rights, allowing the Lightning the chance to match any offer sheet a player signs from another team. If the Lightning elected not to match an offer sheet, the Lightning would receive compensation.

Those not receiving offers become unrestricted free agents, open to sign with any team when free agency begins on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay sent qualifying offers to defensemen Matt Smaby, Matt Lashoff, Mike Lundin, and Lukas Krajicek; forwards Martins Karsums, Blair Jones, Radek Smolenak and Lauri Tukonen and goaltender Karri Ramo.

The team is close to re-signing Krajicek to a one-year contract, while Ramo and Smolenak already have signed contracts to play in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League next season. By extending the offers, Tampa Bay retains their rights.

The two players who did not receive qualifying offers were McKenna and forward Justin Keller.

When the free agency period opens on Wednesday, the Lightning will be in the market to sign a veteran goaltender as insurance in case starter Mike Smith is either not recovered from his season-ending concussion or suffers another blow to the head that might cost him playing time. With Ramo playing in Russia next season, the only goaltenders under contract for next year are rookie Dustin Tokarski and former first-round pick Riku Helenius, who just completed his first pro season.

Tampa Bay also may be on the lookout for a veteran defenseman capable of being a mentor to 18-year-old Victor Hedman, the team's top pick in this year's draft.

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

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