Vrbata Heading for the Czech Republic

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Tuesday that right wing Radim Vrbata is leaving the team to play in the Czech Republic. The Lightning placed Vrbata on waivers on Monday with the intent of assigning to the Czech Republic after he requested to be assigned there to work on his game. Vrbata, who signed a three-year, $9 million contract this past summer, will not have his salary count against the Lightning's salary cap for the rest of the season, but they will still have to pay him. The contract will however remain in force for the second and third years if he returns to the NHL. Vrbata had a career season in 2007-08 with the Phoenix Coyotes, scoring 27 goals and 29 assists for 56 points in 76 games. This season, he has struggled mightily with three goals and three assists for six points in 18 games. In 440 games, Vrbata has 105 goals and 127 assists for 232 points with the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Vrbata still has the potential to be a top-six winger, so some time away from the Lightning may be what he needs to get his career back on track. If he cannot resurrect his career in Europe, expect to see the Lightning attempt to trade him next summer. However, if Vrbata struggles in Europe, the Lightning likely won't be able to trade him and may have to send him back to Europe, bury him in the minors, or buyout his contract.