TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning waived
42-year-old captain Dave Andreychuk on
Tuesday, saying the inspirational leader of their Stanley Cup
championship team could not keep up with the speed the NHL's new rules
have brought about.
Lightning general manager Jay Feaster said Andreychuk had worked hard
during and after last season's lockout, but neither he nor the coaches
could foresee "the type of game the new NHL would be upon its return --
a game in which speed and quickness carry the day. After giving
ourselves half a season to evaluate and analyze, it became clear to us
that David's game was not suited to the new NHL."
Andreychuk had six goals and 12 assists in 42 games this season. He
ranks second all-time in the NHL among left wings in goals (640),
assists (698) and points (1,338). He reached the 20-goal mark for the
19th time in 2003-04, third most in NHL history behind Gordie Howe (22)
and Ron Francis (20). His 1,338 career points is tied for 23rd most in
NHL history.
During the Lightning's playoff run in 2004, he had a goal and 13 assists
on the way to being part of a Stanley Cup-winning team for the first
time.
The Lightning said that Andreychuk will be assigned to their AHL
affiliate so that they can pay his $800,000 salary, but he will not be
required to report.
Andreychuk has also played for Buffalo, Toronto, New Jersey, Boston and
Colorado.
