Vinny on The Move?

Well, at least it's a break from the Mats Sundin story.

With seven weeks to go before the NHL trade deadline, it seems clear that Vinny Lecavalier will now be the name bounced around the most. Clearly, if Tampa Bay decides to move Lecavalier and his gigantic contract before his no-movement clause kicks in July 1st, the only responsible thing would be to shop him around to as many clubs as possible, not just Montreal.

That will take time.

If anything, Bolts GM Brian Lawton should learn from two examples that making a quick deal can have catastrophic results. When Patrick Roy left Montreal in 1995, it was clear from the outset his destination was Colorado where his former agent, Pierre Lacroix, was running the operation.

Getting Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky and Andrei Kovalenko in return for Roy - don't forget, the Habs threw in Mike Keane, as well - was one of the more one-sided trades in NHL history.

The Joe Thornton move from Boston to San Jose a decade later, meanwhile, was similar in that it was made quickly, and afterwards many GMs grumbled that they hadn't even been allowed to put a bid in for the big centre. The Bruins received Marco Sturm, Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart in return, and while the B's have since become one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, it wasn't because of that deal.

The problem for Lawton and the Bolts, however, is that if they decide to move Lecavalier, the number of interested parties will be restricted by those teams with the cap flexibility to embrace his 11-year, $85 million deal. Tampa won't want to take messy contracts of veterans in return.

Clearly, Canadian hockey fans would rather see Lecavalier in Montreal than in Tampa Bay where he is one of the game's hidden treasures. He would be the greatest French-Canadian player to wear a Habs uniform since Roy.

But if the Bolts are going to move him, they've got to shop him around, if only to convince their fans that they've received the most possible for the face of the franchise.

Comments

[Neil Horne]

Damien, given what is going on with the Ottawa Senators who is the untouchable out of the big three. It seems everyone is talking spezza or healthly but what about the Captain Alf as he is older and the team has not reached potential under his leadership Let me know your thought
Thanks
Neil

[Confused]

why are the Leafs not in this? We need franchise players more than any other team, and have lots of cap space.

[Sanj]

Great. Now we are going to be swamped with Leaf fans suggesting stupid trades like Antropov, Kaberle + 3 random Marlies for Vinny.

[mark whitney]

This will be interesting to watch for few reasons. First, it will really educate a lot of people as to what the cap era really means. There will be very few bidders for one of the best players in the league. Second, if the Canadiens don't land Vinny, it will be entertaining to watch their fans react. Third, I can't wait to see how Tampa's owners (or puppet GM) manage to screw this up. Lastly, I hope that, regardless of who gets him, the aquiring team goes deep into the playoffs. Vinny is one of the more entertaining players in the league.

[Tabber]

Hey Damien, does the NHL have the same trade salary restrictions as the NBA? I'm referring to the salaries of the players traded having to match within 15% or so, such that Tampa would have to take back around the same salaries as Lecavalier.

[David]

Maybe the Canucks will trade away Sundin for LeCavalier!!

[Red Rock]

Forget Vinny, focus on Stamkos and get that poor kid out of that nut-house before he's destroyed. The payoff is bigger (and cheaper).

[Heaton]

Red Rock: Stamkos isn't available because he is a lot cheaper and younger than Lecavalier.

[Charles Miller]

If I were Gainey I would`nt trade for Lecavaillier,why disturb a winning combination.Anyway there will be very few bidders for him due to his new contract.

[rob]

forget kaberle and antropov and assorted players. the leafs could offer the whole team for lecavalier and it would still be a bad deal for tampa bay.

[Lewis McClain]

Pay the price, get him in Toronto. God knows we need a goal scorer, and some FIRST CLASS TALENT. So far i doubt if this team could win in the American League. Trade the whole team if necessary,bring up the Marlies,add Vinny, and i say we are a better team. Right now we belong in the ECHL...

[Guido]

If the Leafs want Vinny, it will cost them at least Schenn, Kaberle and this years #1 .. most likely more. I'd rather save that for the #1 pick this year, aka Tavares.

Neil: The biggest problem with the big 3 on the Sens is that they are all signed long term to high money deals. In today's NHL - especially with the cap going down next year, it's almost impossible to trade them.

In fact when you look at the low number of trades, it's apparently impossible to trade anybody.

[Brian]

Vinny would look good in Montreal but would he be ready for the French media circus. I do feel for Stamkos the kid is turning to be another Alexander Diagle, his agent has to try to get this kid out of Tampa Bay.

[Sandy T.]

For any that may suggest it, Vinny is not a fit for The Leafs. a) he's too expensive, both what he'll cost the team who lands him, and the value of his upcoming contract, b) he's nearly 28 now, and The Leafs have about a five year rebuilding program going on, so the timing is way off, and c) his contract will run for 11 years - so unless it's heavily front-loaded, he'll be a financial drag on his new team for years after his peak has been reached and passed.

This is a guy who needs to be, and will be, going to a contender to be the 'missing piece of the puzzle', he's not going to be going to any of the NHL's current doormats.

If he was a ballplayer he'd be going to The Red Sox or The Yankees.

[Red Rock]

Heaton: Word out of Tampa is that EVERYONE is available. Target Smith too.

[garret]

This is awesome. Leafs fans (of which I am one) finally realizing that what this team needs is a few years of stinking and where the more important talent resides in the management.

Sandy said it all. The Leafs don't need a competitive team right now. They don't need to squander anything for a big contract goal scorer.

Lewis, I'm so glad you're not running the team. I want to be a good team in a few years, not a decent team right now.