Lightning sign Malik

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Marek Malik to a one-year contract, worth a pro-rated $1.2-million for the 2008-2009 season.

Malik, 33, has played 649 games in a 12-year NHL career with Hartford, Carolina, Vancouver and the New York Rangers, compiling a plus-136 rating.

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound stay-at-home blueliner should bring some stability to a Lightning defence corps that is very inexperienced.

Aside from journeyman Jamie Heward, who has played 384 career NHL games, 23-year-old Andrej Meszaros leads the current crop of Lightning defence -- including Paul Ranger, Lukas Krajicek, Matt Carle, Mike Lundin and Janne Niskala -- with just 249 NHL games.

I don't know if it's more shocking that Tampa Bay somehow didn't expect their defense to be Dung, or that Garrioch reported this rumor about a week ago.

I suppose this falls into the "Eklund" category - if you throw enough against the wall, something has to stick.

WRT the signing - you know you are desperate when signing Malik represents a move designed to "bring some stability" to your defense...

It's kind of funny that Mez had been one of their "seasoned vets". Good example to have around - especially after games and on off days...