Vinny Lecavalier all the rage in Canada

The Tampa Bay Lightning's Vinny Lecavalier apparently is the biggest sports story in Canada today.

As of 2 p.m., TSN, Canada's equivalent of ESPN, had Lecavalier as the lead story on its site, with no fewer than four stories and two videos devoted to speculation about whether the Lightning is shopping its captain and marquee attraction --and whether the Ile Bizard, Que., native will wind up with the Montreal Canadiens.

Here is a sampling:

Lecavalier and Lightning address trade rumors

Gainey remaining silent on Lecavalier

Dreger: Discussion in Tampa on whether to deal Lecavalier

McKenzie: Potential for Lecavalier going to Habs is there

Video: Making a move

Video: On his way?

(Times photo: Dirk Shadd. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Tackleberry]

Feaster did not have a good track record of trades. He was also notorious for overpaying players. Richards is no way worth $8mil. If Richards would have been payed around $3, he would still be with the team.

Lawton on the other hand, is about 50/50 in my book. Not bad. The bad thing about Lawton is trust from the fans and PLAYERS. Why would you tell your superstar, the FACE of the organization that you are here to stay for the next 11 years and then start taking phonecalls on offers for him? Shows VERY VERY poor loyalty and leadership.

I bet if you took a secret poll from the players if they trust Lawton or not. Most would not trust him.

How is this team EVER going to attract quality players when you have a GM that does thing like this?

Before ANY more trades happen before the deadline (March 4), we need to get a quality GM.

[Jim Nagle]

Sorry, PD, I meant GP on the Feaster/Lawton comment.

[Jim Nagle]

PD- Very tough shot at Feaster earlier, saying you don't trust Lawton any more than you do him, creating an equivalence between the two that wouldn't make Jay feel very special if he read it. At least JF landed on his feet once in a while...Mike Smith being the most recent example (now that he's out from under the notorious goalie killer Torts, he is playing great this year).

Leo- Etes-vous ecrivain? Dites moi quelque chose.

[leo]

I hear you, GP.
My friend,
You will forgive me for having truly enjoyed our last game! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTuDakZx_0Q
(yeah, yeah, your ticket's still good but I can still TEASE, c'mon)
P.

[Patrick]

Brittany, thanks for that info. Great to hear they finally got around to addressing it officially, and glad he first talked with Vinny.

[Tampa Wine Guy]

See you all tonight between the first and second period.......TWG

[ajax]

PD, do the research like I did. Please.. JimmyMac was maybe 2-3x's at most. And same old Ajax. Did it only cause of imposter. But I asked nicely, and You didn't address one sentence, just turned in around with more anger.
Anywho on to hockey, funny the article says the whole league is involved and the price is going up. No kidding. Not bad for a guy that never could be moved with the white elephant just two weeks ago.
I was insistent on trading Brad cause the team had zero depth. I was shocked with what we got, might go down as one of those franchise changing trades. Never ever forget that not only did we get three of our top 10 players we also got at least 7 million freed up over the 3 years to add more depth. I printed 10x that Vinny would bring much much more. Is Lawton going to do it right?? He has had some bombs but we also have had some good trades that never get mentioned. Malone was a great signing, he will probably get 20 goals, and is an awesome penalty killer and teammate. The Mezzy deal?? Mezzy is 8 years younger than Kuba and a much better player NOW, wait until he matures. Does everyone realize he is the same age as Picard?? The 1st round draft pick hurts, but remember this about Picard. He is getting 18 minutes a night on a last place team with zero Dmen. I don't think he quite yet is the stud everyone thinks he is. If you could unwind every bad day in your life, wow it would be sooooo easy. For every bad their is good, if you look for it. I will take a wait and see attitude, and hope this makes our 20 man roster stronger. Not glitzier, but stronger. I have always maintained that three quality NHL players making 3.3 million each is much better for a small market team than 1 guy making 10 mil. I read on a Ottawa?? I read so much I might be wrong, but I read that Ottawa is thinking of moving one of their Big 3. Ya think?? They are finding out just what we did. You need the whole picture, not just the headlines. PD, the leafs might be in the lottery just cause they don't want Montreal to get him. All things equal I am sure Vinny is going to pick Habs over Leafs, he wants to win now. Does anyone on this blog doubt that Vinny is open to a trade???
And remember and this is huge. Times are tough. Going to buy a house, lots of bargains. Going to buy a car, lots of bargains. There will be more free agents than teams wanting them and we might just get some shocking bargains. Now that is how to think positive folks!!!!!

[Brittany]

Just want to point everyone to Brian Lawton's press conference on the Lightning website. You can see it on the front page (click on the number 3) or you can click here: http://lightning.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=786&id=30844

He says that he doesn't see Vinny being traded any time soon (when asked what he meant by soon he kind of laughed and said that he is not in dialog with anyone about trading Vinny), he also said that he cannot promise that he never gets traded because his contract is 11 years long, and how can you tell what happens in 10 years, but he cannot see him being traded any time soon. He also said that he talked with Vinny and his agent and that all of these things really have been made up due to the economy, the way the team has performed and Vinny's agent having planed months in advance to meet with him in LA. Anyway, I think that this should put an end to these rumors. Hope this helps everyone sleep easier, I know it will make me sleep easier. The fact that they held a press conference just to say that it is all a bunch of bs is reassuring. If it wasn't rumors, they would have continued to stay quite. Maybe they aren't so dumb after all. If they trade him after that, they can at least be guaranteed a mutiny from the fans.

[Oscar]

I wish I could make the trip over there tonight.

The heck with signs for ownership, just kick their butts if you see them around town. A facewash at Publix, an accidental spilled drink someplace, you know the routine.

The last, futile, but classy maneuver would be to show up tonight and really clear out the pipes cheering everytime Vinny steps onto the ice or touches the puck. EVERY TIME!

Go Bolts!

[PD]

Tack I am not surprised but I think ECK is getting a little carried away with the other teams.
Can't see the Leafs in it.

[GP]

I agree with both sides of opinion on this issue. From a business aspect (besides threats of pulling season tickets) it would be a smart move to trade Vinny. However, if you trade Vinny, then you need to trade MSL and anyone else who is not in your long term plans so you can rebuild. Komisarek would look good patrolling the blue line though.

From a personal standpoint, V4 is my favorite player and I would hate to see him go. My immediate thought would be to say I would never buy another ticket but I would. I'm a fan of the team even though I'm a Flyers fan first. I will continue to support the Lightning no matter what they choose.

The two questions I have a problem with are :

1. Do I trust Brian Lawton to make the "right" trade and rebuild the franchise? NO ... I trust him about as much as Feaster.

2. Do I trust OK Hockey to keep the team in Tampa long term. I USED to but NOT anymore.

I think it was Ajax who made a pretty good point earlier about contracts going down for UFA this summer with the cap going down. Good point .... I'm curious to see how that plays out this summer. People like Jay Bo. should be signing contracts before the summer if I were them.

Leo, Canadiens still blow my friend. lol

[hockeytalkie]

just found out i may actually be there tonight 60/40 in favor off at the moment. so maybe i will see you guys at the berlin wall. (and no coach, the eating machine will not be there tonight)

[leo]

"Gutting" ???
How so?
I'd love to hear it.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/2009/01/owners_gms_terrified_of_longte.ht...
P.

[Tackleberry]

????

It amazes me that this rumor had dragged on this long

[Boltflasher]

Tack, it amazes me that the Habs would consider gutting their team to get Vinny...

[Stacey]

OMG, what the F is up with THAT?! I think I'm going to puke. Seriously. I think I am. They do this and I will never buy another ticket. Not to a game or even a concert. I never step foot in the Forum. Read THAT (not)OK Hockey! That is a promise not a threat. Not that you give a sh**...

[Patrick]

Canadians calling out people for being biased about their teams?

Priceless.

[Tackleberry]

Another article

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Could-there-be-ANOTHER-Hab-in-the-All-Star-Game-wearing-4/1/18882

Looks like Mont will try to get this deal brokered before the All Star break.

[Justine]

If you want Vinny to stay and realize the negative impact trading him would have on the Lightning, come to the Forum tonight and bring signs telling Koules what you think. I know I will be.

[PD]

Lets talk about Jimmy Mac Ajax
and 2007

What was my position on Torts in 2006/7 and 8 since you seem obsessed?

People don't give a shlit Ajax , just don't lie.

If thats your apology I accept it.

[ajax]

OK PD/Bear, it is just an unbelievable coincicdence. Thru out the day you two post side by side constantly, it is quite eerie. But, My Bad.
Now explain your flip flop attitude. Explain why you purposely distort your opinions.
Be specific please. All of us want to know why last year you hated Richards, this year he is a glowing example in your posts. Last year you despised Jay and Palace, this year you slam present owners and Gm and use Jay and Co as a shining example. You stated more than once, "I don't know why they resigned Boyle" Then this year you have pounded the drum to death about they should of never traded Boyle. You have read your bear posts and they are 100% opposite of this year. Please explain to all of us. Hockey, Patrick, Flasher, Brittney. Lots of us want to know the mindset of someone who does that. Fair enough??
We just had an election. When a canditate says one thing one year and then in his campaign rally flipflops on his views, he is usally called on it. That is what we all want to know. Why use Brad in any of your posts when you hated him?? Why throw the Boyle trade in our face, when you didn't even want to resign him. You hated Palace and Jay last year. 100's of posts to verify that statement, yet they are the good guys this year. When a politician votes yes on the war, and then campaign's the next year that the war was a terrible mistake, people notice. Please take the time to clear this up for all of us. For me it just seems this clearly isn't a change in opinion, I think it is merely a way to push your own agenda, but I do not feel it is being very truthful. Fair enough. God Bless Ya, and I mean that.

[hockeytalkie]

pd - please read my 5th paragraph again. you DONT DONT DONT need to justify your stance to me.

now and next, baby. now and next.

[PD]

Hockey, I don't need to be called a liar and neither obviously does Ignatz.

Ajax was given a chance to back up his
charge and he didn't.

Quelle surprise

An apology to both wasn't too much to ask, but the guy is what he is.

Who cares, point made. Thx

[ignatz]

Of course it is censorship. I guess as long as everyone is in agreement, that's enough "debate" for you. Of course you're a Republican who uses Fox and Limbaugh as your main "news" sources.

[hyjyljyj]

*yawn* I'm gonna go troll a Flyers blog, or Candiens, or Leafs, or whomever. As long as I'm not posting at my own team's place, I'll be happy.

This puerile, nauseating back-and-forth crap reminds me of 6th grade juuuuuuust a little too much. Ajax we love you man but please give it a rest. You are devoting enormous amounts of mental energy to proving some troll in Toronto with multiple names is full of crap. We know it already. Mission accomplished.

Is there any place where fans of the Lightning can go to discuss the team's successes and trials and tribulations as fans instead of having to wade through all this rancorous bullspit? Someone needs to start one for the fans. No trolls welcome. Oooohhh, now there's a radical idea!

Before the Bolt bashers start wetting their pants and squealing, remember: (a) It's not "censorship" if it's a private forum, and (b) there'd still be this place and about ten others to pollute.

C'mon you computer whizzes out there who bleed blue, black and silver, where you at?

[hockeytalkie]

"berlin wall" newspaper poster is at the top tunnel leading to 114-115 section. westshore pizza is kind of across the way but more toward 115.

like i said very doubtful i'll make it tonight but def on sat. other guys will be there though i think.

[ignatz]

Most sports fans are in denial when it comes to their teams, PD. This blog no different. In the face of massive evidence regarding the underfinanced ownership with its poor transaction record, some think OK hockey is a benefit for the Lightning.

[hockeytalkie]

pd -there's plenty in what i said for both of you. NEITHER of you would address each other's main questions.

yours was: will you take the bet? yes or no

his was: based on the evidence given, are you just a hater or a flip-flopper? pick one.

you both went back and forth w/o either giving an answer. and yes you WERE wetting your jammies over the bet thing. you know trying to call someone out like that with ad hoc comments just doesn't have the same impact on a blog as when spoken.

you dont need to defend your stance against me. but here you are saying "but talkie it was him not me" i agree w/wolverinemike, it got rather childish. if you'd both just addressed the question asked directly you could move on.

i've only been on this blog since melrose was canned so i dont know what ANYONE here was saying back in March or July or whenever. much more interested in now and next.

i'll go you one better. last month leo and i got into it over something that in retrospect was silly and (d)evolved into european soccer debate, but i will say this within all the diatribes that both of us typed during that time, we actually tried to address each other's points. i still dont think we agree on quite a few parts but there was acknowledgement throughout.

leo -would you agree?

[ajax]

Where is the Berlin Wall??
I might not be able to go but I am doing everything in my power to do a switcharoo as I was looking forward big time to this game. Historically teams poop the bed at home after a long road trip. Hope not the case. After the 1st period?? Is this inside or outside the building?? Help..

[ajax]

The boy does have quite a temper doesn't he?? But that said, I do admit to sinking to his level. Shame on me. Sorry for the past two weeks all you true Lightning fans. Back to hockey, and I am going to do my ultimate best to turn down the noise. Go Bolts, You are my team no matter what!!!!!

[PD]

Heh Talkie I wasnt the one wetting my jammies.

[PD]

Ignatz there is a little rat pack of juvenile Koules fluffers here led by Ajax.
They view anything that is factual about the club as negative.
dissent, bad, Ajax voice of good.
narcisstic personality disorder anyone?

It's funny when you challenge a man on his integridy and he refuses and wets his pants, you kinda know what your dealing with.

To your point,If LeCavalier is traded it means there is new ownership set on a new market.Scorched earth time here.

This market could not take that hit nor would it support a rebuild.

If he's traded they are going under.

[ignatz]

It's actually humorous. Ajax saying he only posts this many times or that many times when they are four times as long as everyone else's. Frankly, I'm not offended by his illogic and stupidity.

Back to the heart of the matter: The Lightning franchise is in deep financial trouble. It shouldn't be expected that the rental owners will be around by the end of summer. Whether or not this affects Vinny's status, I honestly don't know. This I do know: if he's traded, attendance will plummet even further. And there's no evidence from their past dealings that OK will get full value for him.

[Boltflasher]

Coach Bill, did you see my earlier post? will try to meet Ajax at the Berlin Wall at 1st intermission...Ajax, did you see that?

[hockeytalkie]

well that was all just lovely. glad i went to bed early.

now class settle down. shh, shh, shh. PD take your juice box and pbj to another table please. ajax no more sticking your tongue out at him. the counselor has labeled him as "sensitive."

[Coach Bill]

Patrick- It's 2:30 in the A.M. take a break and get some rest. You going tonight? Flasher,Tack-check in.

[Patrick]

PD/Ignatz,

I wish I had known accusing you of multiple user names offended you, I would have started doing that earlier. Of course, I'm sure it doesn't really offend you. What's precious about your hissy fit over it is that it's your goal to offend and piss off most the fans of this team. Ajax's history lesson makes it clear to anyone who hasn't previously taken you to task on any of the your BS tabloid rumor posts you churn out at an ever increasing rate.

[ajax]

PD what is it with apologize?? Some Control thing?? PD, I know I piss you off. The difference is you piss so many people off and you don't even acknowledge it. I don't think you are in anyone's Fav 5. The blog is nice, but when people tell you to take a hike, to stuff a sock in it, that you have crossed the line.....they aren't to happy. You tick me off big time with all the hate you spread about our team. Is that a shock to you?? Are you so self-absorbed that you don't realize people are tired of you?? Somewhere you would think that a little voice inside would say...take a step back here...I am on a Lightning blog......and I am bashing them all the time. When people try in a nice way to say "stuff it' you come back with something like this "all you koolaid drinkers can't handle the truth" I for one am very tired of it. I would never dream of asking you to apologize, I am smart enough to know that you think "I am only saying the truth, can't help it if you can't swallow the facts"...If you thought all Chiropractors were quacks, would you go to the Chiropractor happy hour every Friday and tell them they are all quacks?? This is our happy hour. I got news for you, You tick alot of people off. LOTS. I for one lost it when you really went after Vinny and his character. What a joke. His character?? People with character usually walk away when they don't like something. You don't get that. I said this guy needs some of his own medicine. Remember PD, it is just my opinion. You sure can dish the crap out everyday but apologize?? To you!!!!I got news for you, I find you very offensive. Untollerable. Your everyday hate is not wanted. IMO. :)

[WolverineMike25]

Can't we talk about real substance? This is rather childish...

The Flyers have had a solid year. What does everyone think about our chances tonight?

[PD]

No one on this blog wants to be lied about or impuned moron.

I think that I can speak for Ignatz as well.

At the very least, if your not enough of a man to take the bet, then apologize.

[PD]

Sorry gutless one, its easily verified
Are you taking the charity bet?

[ajax]

PD with your integrity, you would bring your brother to say he was Iggy. It is all in fun PB&I, keep bashing away.

[PD]

Ajax are you taking the bet or wetting your pants???

[ajax]

PD I will leave you with this. I took these posts from like only 3 days, I assure you I could post 100's. An amazing, truly AMAZING, different opinion last year about Management, Brad and especially Jay, then you have this year about all of them. PD you go on and on about fluff tickets and scams...It is all same hate, just different Jerseys and suits. PD I will sum up my frustration with you, and then you can read and enjoy your "REAL" thoughts from last years team, that you love so much this year.
Last year you hated management, you hated Jay, you hated Brad and almost unbelievable you were touting Vinny!! This year you hate new management, you hate the new GM and you hate Vinny. In some ways nothing really did change. Just years of hate mail. Here we go with the quotes............... Ajax actually I have posted numerous times in the last year about Feasty signing Goldenboy to the Albatros contract when in fact he was a RFA.

Bottom line people, it was a scam to the season ticket holders bamboozling them in a dynasty mindset.

Its never been about the on ice . Just a huge southern market PR scam.

Posted by: | January 01, 2008 at 01:29 PM

Sorry that was me

Posted by: bear | January 01, 2008 at 01:30 PM

Wiggy and Marlborough IMHO have dialed into ground zero.

The whole charade in Tampa after the Dudley era Cup was to bamboozle the fans. Sign the "BIG" three ..dynasty time. Its all Bull.

Bolts well know that Tampa is not a market that will support a loser in hockey. Football maybe.

The team has done the seasons ticket scams/two for ones , half price Tues to the max. Feaster even washed the cars of season ticket purchasers.

They still are near the league bottom in real revenue and imagine how bad that will get next year with this crap team in the current local economy.

Having said that, who in their right mind would pay 200 mill for this team? A team that has lost 80 million in the good times.

It would have to be a manic uber fan with little business sense. Koules ? maybe but I doubt it. This is far from a done deal and when it falls through then what?

So many in this blog think its just a matter of a tweak here or there. Trade Brad etc..

There is only one tradable body that will bring back more than cap space and thats V4.

His contract is up after 08 and as much as he likes living in Tampa he has paid his dues and will place himself in a winning environment. Who wouldn't??

In a market like say Montreal, he would get the 10 mill. max salary and make another two or three million in endorsements. He would be King of the great town. His home.

If they don't trade him soon, thats where he goes..FOR NOTHING after 08.

All Four supposed Bolt chattels should be front and centre at the trade deadline with the main goal being building some depth in the form of prospects and picks. Our friend Leo is right about making part of that a great young goalie.

Will Tampa support a major rebuild which takes a couple of years?

Maybe if you get a dynamic GM who has a clue. Tick Tick tick

Posted by: Bear | December 30, 2007 at 12:10 PM

Only problem is that it can't be Feaster at the drawing board.

Hire Scotty Bowman short term to do it..he lives here.

Posted by: bear | December 30, 2007 at 05:08 PM

Amazed your putting us on right?
Richards a top 2 way player..uh no he is one of the worst. Almost dead last in plus minus for the 800 players in the league.

Bolts a tweak away from being the Senators??...please.

Posted by: bear | December 28, 2007 at 05:13 PM

PD when I read these you have been pushing the demise, the free tickets, the bye-bye since day 1. The post where you go on and on about Vinny being King In Montreal is almost comical when you read what you print about him this year.

[PD]

I am the voice of good
Ajax

[PD]

Since you just posted it , do show me this one, Bullshitter:
"enjoy it now, all 9500 of ya koolaiders, before the snake oilers are closed down and they move the franchise."

I'll pay another $250 for that one, I'm doubling up.

You are just a flat out LIAR Ajax and a wimp.
Take the bet or stfu and go away

[PD]

Talking Today Ajax/Jimmy Mac, not 2007

You accused me of being Ignatz,today! you accused Ignatz of being me today!

Mindless on your part, you owe both of us an apology today! not yet another gigabyte of your drivel

So stand up prissy one, back what you said and take the charity bet today! or crawl back under and go away.

[ajax]

I will print this real slow. When I switched on 2 posts to Jimmy Mac, I had the same opinions, I was just tired of the imposter.
What is crystal clear is that when you were Bear/PD last year, I will be brief. You hated Brad, Jay was just being Jay, as usual, you made it crystal clear you didn't see why they resigned Boyle. But this year on blog after blog you talk about those guys and throw it in all the bloggers face as if you are some genius. you flipflopped to feed your hate blogs. you posted all the time about our inept D last year (noe of them would be a top 4 anywhere else, those were your words) This year, they all are so missed and all good players. I mean totally a 180 on so many subjects. It is funny, you write neg neg neg neg neg for a solid year, but when the crap is piled on you, you don't like it one bit. If ya can't take the heat.......you insult everyone of us, our opinions our loyality, and then are offended when you get it back?? Insane. Iggy is the only one who agrees with you and he types phrases almsot word for word. It is amazing how often you two post right after each other. Pd when I was checking your posts you would post PD, and 10 minutes later make a comment about your PD comment and sign Bear. Why would you ever even once do that other than to make it sound like everyone is agreeing with you??? PD you don't go to the games. You don't even ever talk hockey x's and o's. You hate one of the best players in the league, and just to remind you one more time. You hated the Goldenboy and then post after post this year thru in all of our faces. Two weeks ago you wrote, the Powerplay is nothing without him, tell me everyone how this team doesn't miss Brad now on the PPlay... then you wrote Brad was the straw that stirred the drink. You couldn't stand the guy!!! I know a bunch of times you referred to him as the guy that makes a 100k a night with a skirt on. "Brad, stole another 100k from us tonight" Explain to all of us uneducated idiots the rationale of what you are doing. That isn't a mistake or a change of opinion PD, that is a blatant effort to manipulate your real opinion to further your "new" opinion. I call that dishonesty PD. How can you be trusted when you do that stuff. Flasher caught the discrepencies also when you admitted you were Bear. The new Bear sure sounded different from the old Bear...EXACTLY... It will never add up why you have that mindset to manipulate the truth. Really I do...it is obvious to all of us.....every single post of yours is negative....you never back down....and when wrong, or when the Lightning play good it isn't good going guys, it is something like......enjoy it now, all 9500 of ya koolaiders, before the snake oilers are closed down and they move the franchise. You are the voice of nasty, I am the voice of good, and sorry this is a Tampa Bay Lightning blog and I feel it is my duty to fight you every step of the way when you are tearing our team down each and every blog. No hard feelings.

[Jim Nagle]

Well, it's starting to look a little grim, fellow Vinny-philes of Tampa Bay. To think that we considered Kawasaki Green or whoever the original absentee owners were, to be bad owners for never being here. I wish these current guys had never been here. Art Williams, to his credit, though he knew nothing about hockey, had a pile of money and a sense of responsibility and paid all the bills and paved the way for the Davidson group to come in. How's ole man Davidson looking now? Pretty good, I'd say. How many pro sports owners have won two league championships in the same SEASON (Bolts and Pistons)?

Leo- Is that all the info I'm going to get- that I was "dang close"?

[PD]

Who cares its irrelevant Flash.

I just find it very offensive for him to be that much of a moron.