Lesser-Known Lightning: David Hale

*Lesser-Known Lightning is a segment where I will try to better inform fans about some Lightning players.  These players may be new to Tampa Bay and/or not as well known as some of the fan-favourites.  The differences between this segment and a young prospect review are that the players reviewed here will have past NHL experience and be over the age of 25.  I will run one of these articles every day until the start of the season (October 1st).*

Name: David Hale

Lightning Defenseman David Hale

Position: Defenseman

Height/Weight: 6’2’’ / 213 lbs.

Age: 28

Born In: Colorado Springs, CO, US

NHL Total Number of Games Played: 263

Goals – Assists – Points: 3-17-20

PIM: 211

Career +/-: +6

Acquired by Lightning: Traded From Phoenix, 7/21/09

The Low-Down: Has good defensive instincts and can hit well.  Unfortunately, has very limited offensive potential and has never really been more than a 7^th defenseman.

Current Status: Final year of contract:  one-way worth $725,000.  Still on Lightning training camp roster.

Where they fit on the Lightning (present and future): Unless Hale shows the Lightning something really special (which is highly unlikely), it would appear that he’s one of the several defensemen not in Tampa’s top 8.  He could be a good guy to rely on if someone goes down with injury, but it is more likely that the Lightning will try to trade him or put him on waivers.