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Even after 30 years, the name “Rheaume” generates memories of the early days of the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 1992, Manon Rheaume became the first woman to play an exhibition game, not only in hockey, but in any of the major national sports in North America as she appeared in games against the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins during the Lightning’s preseason.
For the next five years she would play games for various squads in minor-league hockey, from the Atlanta Knights to the Las Vegas Thunder. She’s stayed close to the hockey world following her playing career and is currently working in hockey operations for the Los Angeles Kings. In her role as a prospect advisor for L.A. she is likely keeping an eye on the action in Minnesota as the Summer Showcase is under way.
As a parent, she is definitely watching as her son, Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, is skating for Team USA (Blue) in the international event. The 18-year-old defenseman spent last season at the University of Michigan and put up 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 35 games. Despite not being drafted this summer, he was invited to the showcase and has racked up a couple of assists already in early action.
The Buffalo Sabres had him in their prospect camp earlier in the summer, but it appears he’ll be heading back to college for at least one more season. Many scouts had him on their draft boards complimenting his skating and defensive awareness. Another year of big-time college hockey could lead to a free-agent contract next spring. There would be a nice bit of symmetry to the world if that contract came from the Lightning.
Member of Lightning organization heading to Long Island [Twitter]
It appears that Mathieu Darche is adding a familiar face to the New York Islanders organization. Per reports, equipment manager Jason Berger is heading north to join the organization. Berger had been with the Lightning since 2017.
Two-year deal for Struble [Eyes on the Prize]
Another restricted free agent avoids an arbitration battle as Jayden Struble comes to an agreement with the Montreal Canadiens. The 23-year-old defenseman locks in a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.4125 million.
Lightning organization wins Stanley Award [Winnipeg Jets]
Organizational awards were handed out in Seattle earlier this week during the NHL Club Business Meetings. All 32 organizations send representatives to this annual meeting, and this year more than 1,300 people were involved. The Stanley Awards recognize things like innovation and creativity among the clubs. While the Jets won theirs for their social media activity, the Tampa Bay Lightning brought home the award for the best Game Presentation.
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