Egener, Mike

As readers of this site know, we typically release our annual Preliminary Rankings of the Lightning's prospects around the first week of October once Lightning camp breaks. Obviously we haven't done that yet, so I just wanted to give everyone an update on where we are.

When the Lightning made Mike Egener their first pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, they projected him to be a physical, slick-skating defenseman who could one day be a team leader.

Now in his fourth professional season, that projection still rings true, but now with one major exception.

A position change.

With the Norfolk Admirals short on forwards to start the year due to four recent signees experiencing work visa issues, and a hoard of defensemen vying for coveted starting spots, it seemed like the perfect time for a career change of sorts for Egener. At Lightning General Manager Jay Feaster's request, Egener was moved up to the wing.

The Ads almost pulled off the upset.

NOR-3
SPR-4

Morgan Cey allowed 4 goals on 21 shots for the loss. The Admirals outshot the Falcons 29-21 in the game, the first time they've outshot an opponent this season.

First Period
NOR Hrdel, (1) (Jones, Kvapil), 19:17

Second Period
SPR Nilsson, (1) (Bisaillon, Thoresen), 4:15
NOR Egener, (1) (Jones, Wanvig), 4:42

Third Period
SPR Reddox, (3) (Berry, Smid), 6:09
SPR Nilsson, (2) (Thoresen, Rourke), 6:37
SPR Peckham, (1) (Bodie), 9:22 (PP)
NOR Jones, (1) (Wanvig, Egener), 10:32

Lightning press release:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Dan Jancevski to a one-year, two-way contract and have re-signed defenseman Mike Egener to a one-year, two-way contract, Executive Vice President and General Manager Jay Feaster announced.

Jancevski, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound native of Windsor, Ontario, played in all 80 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2006-07 and helped them to the 2007 Calder Cup championship. He recorded seven goals (five power-play), 31 points, and a plus-22 rating during the regular season. He ranked first among defensemen and second on the team in plus/minus rating. He played in 22 games for the Bulldogs during their championship playoff run, ranking second on the team in scoring with three goals and 14 points. He also scored twice on the power play.

Erik Erlendsson blogs on who the Lightning will and won't qualify before July 1st according to Jay Feaster. Note: this isn't a complete list.

IN: Paul Ranger, Ryan Craig, Karl Stewart, Mike Egener, Mitch Fritz

OUT: Doug Janik, Brady Greco, John Toffey, Morgan Cey, Adam Henrich

Analysis on the flip.