The Lightning have re-signed defenseman Dan Boyle to a reported six year deal to be worth around $40 million. It was thought that if the Bolts and Boyle couldn’t agree he would be traded by tomorrow’s trade deadline. This would seem to all but guarantee that Brad Richards will be dealt by Tuesday’s deadline. This is the right decision in my eyes as the Lightning need to keep what they have and add to the defense. Hopefully this is a sign that the new ownership is committed to getting back to playoff contention as quickly as possible. I only hope now that Jay Feaster gets as much as he can for Richards even if it means holding on to him and dealing him in the off season. I’m happy so far but let’s see what we get for Richie.