TAMPA — Brian Boyle took his routine pregame nap Monday thinking about the Lightning’s big game against Ottawa.
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When Boyle, 32, woke up, he found out he was on the move, traded to Toronto for a second-round pick and minor-league F Byron Froese.
"It’s definitely a different feeling," Boyle said. "I’m going to miss my buddies, we’ve had two pretty good runs in Tampa. From that standpoint, it’s going to be tough to say goodbye. I’m a loyal guy, I believed in our group. Obviously we didn’t get it done."
The fact Boyle was traded shouldn’t be a surprise. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer (when he’ll consider re-signing with the Lightning). And Tampa Bay got a better return than it did for G Ben Bishop. Froese, the AHL Marlies’ leading scorer, should help the Lightning’s Crunch.
Boyle will be back March 16 when the Leafs play in Tampa. The Lightning is in Toronto April 6.
Bishop talks trade
G Ben Bishop had a ”strong feeling” he was going to get traded by Wednesday.
Still, it wasn’t easy for the two-time Vezina Trophy finalist to find out Sunday he was dealt to the Kings.
"There’s definitely a little bit of shock," Bishop said by phone.
Bishop said he actually was sick Sunday morning, when his absence from practice fueled trade speculation. After getting the call from GM Steve Yzerman at 6 p.m., he rushed to the airport to fly to Minnesota, where he backed up Jonathan Quick against the Wild.
"It’s been a whirlwind," Bishop said.
Bishop wanted to thank all the fans and Lightning organization. He notes he’ll be back in Tampa, getting married to fiancee Andrea in July.
"There’s so many good memories," Bishop said. "Going to miss everybody. Had a lot of good times down there, will never forget it."
Slap shots
> Captain Steven Stamkos participated in Monday’s optional skate, his recovery going according to plan, Yzerman said. Stamkos is still not ready to join a full team skate, but could return this season. For video, go to tampabay.com/blogs/lightning.
> The Lightning called up forwards Adam Erne and Yanni Gourde on Monday as insurance, and needed them with Boyle trade. Erne played. F Gregg McKegg, claimed off waivers Monday from Florida, will join the Lightning.
> Not impressed by return in Ben Bishop trade? Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said Kings were his "only option."
Joe Smith can be reached at josmith@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_JSmith.
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