Associated Press 16y

Lightning continue signing spree, sign Kolzig, Vrbata, Hall

NHL, Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning signed veteran goalie Olie Kolzig to a one-year contract on Tuesday.

Kolzig, who signed during the first day of free agency, will likely share time in goal with incumbent starter Mike Smith. The signing could mean Karri Ramo, who served as a backup for part of the 2007-08 season, will start next season in the minors.

"Olaf is a real stabilizer in the locker room and on the ice," Lightning vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said in a statement. "With Karri Ramo, Olaf Kolzig and Mike Smith we have a great deal of depth at the goaltending position and we like all the options that allows us moving forward."

Kolzig, 38, spent his entire career with the Washington Capitals, playing in 711 games. He has 301 wins, which ties him for 22nd place on the NHL career list.

Also, the Lightning signed unrestricted free agent right wing Radim Vrbata to a three-year contract worth $9 million. He finished as the Phoenix Coyotes' second-leading scorer with 27 goals and 56 points in 76 games last season.

Tampa Bay then signed right wing Adam Hall to a three-year contract. He has 51 goals and 108 points in 352 career NHL games, including 17 with Pittsburgh last season.

These moves came on the heels of Monday's activity when the Lightning announced a seven-year, $31.5-million deal with winger Ryan Malone, a four-year, $14-million contract with winger Vaclav Prospal, and a one-year deal with veteran forward Gary Roberts.

New team owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie have been busy since their purchase of the Lightning was approved by the NHL board of governors last month. Tampa Bay is also reportedly close to finalizing a deal with star forward Vincent Lecavalier, believed to be in the range of nine years and $77 million.

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