All Lecavalier, All The Time

Lyle Richardson (Spector) is always on top of the latest NHL rumours and media reports. He is one of the more reliable sources of information because he only gives what media outlets are writing.....no made up B.S from "reliable sources have told me" by a certain blogger!

Anyhow, it would have taken me quite a long time to accumulate the below media info. (i have already posted a couple of the articles) so "hat tipped" to Lyle Richardson........thanks for letting me ride your coat tails this time!


From Spector's Hockey:

Trade speculations about Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier continue to dominate the NHL rumor mill. Read on for the latest.

TBO.COM: Mark Emmons reports Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier admits the trade rumors about him are a "bit of a distraction", adding he has no way to gauge the validity of the rumors. Former teammate and San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle suggested "where there's smoke there's fire". Joe Henderson meanwhile reports Lightning GM Brian Lawton denied shopping Lecavalier as well as rumors the club may be going out of business, saying if Lecavalier isn't still in Tampa Bay by season's end it's because he didn't want to be there. Henderson points out the Bolts captain keeps insisting he wants to stay.

TAMPABAY.COM: Gary Shelton reports the credibility of the franchise would be at stake if the Lightning traded Lecavalier, noting fans trust him but not the ownership. If the club is to trade him, Shelton suggests the Bolts must win that trade overwhelmingly to make it worthwhile to the fanbase, otherwise it would be devastating to the club's ticket sales.

LA PRESSE: Francois Gagnon reports Montreal Canadiens Tomas Plekanec and Josh Gorges are trying not to be bothered by the speculation they could be shipped to Tampa Bay for Lecavalier. Gagnon also cites sources claiming the Lightning owe Lecavalier a premium worth $500K which they cannot afford to pay him, however one source suggests the league could step in and pay the premium to help the Lightning stay afloat as its ownership attempts to sort out its financial situation. There were also several reports yesterday evening suggesting Lecavalier could be removed from the roster, however he did play in the Lightning's 7-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks last night.

RDS.CA: reports no trade of Lecavalier is expected in the short term although speculation persists of a potential trade with the Montreal Canadiens. Lightning GM Brian Lawton said if he were to trade Lecavalier he'd want him involved in the process. Lecavalier claims he hasn't been approached by management regarding a trade.

SI.COM: Michael Farber suggests Lecavalier doesn't need Montreal , noting he would be toiling under intense pressure and living a fishbowl existence if he were dealt to Montreal.

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reports Lecavalier would be an affordable target for Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli if he were inclined to pursue him, particularly given the Bruins depth in young talent it could offer the Lightning and suggesting Lecavalier could be the key player that might make the Bruins Cup contenders. Chiarelli was unavailable for comment as he was on a scouting mission in Southern Ontario.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Another day another round of what is likely to be endless speculation. All we know officially is the league claimed last week they're satisfied the Lightning can meet its financial obligations to its former owners, Lawton has vigorously denied shopping Lecavalier and Canadiens management is staying mum on the subject. As for the Bruins, yes, they could make a run at acquiring Lecavalier and could offer up a competitive package, but I don't believe that's Chiarelli's game plan. The Bruins are currently the best team in the Eastern Conference and jostling with the San Jose Sharks for first overall in the league. Despite a rash of recent injuries and illnesses to key players they don't appear to be skipping a beat. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And no, I'm not saying that because I'm a Habs fan who'd love to see Lecavalier playing for the Canadiens. I'm saying it because it's a fact, the Bruins are doing so well that it wouldn't make sense to make such a major roster-altering deal.