Lightning rumor question?

Question:

Ok, this is something I don't understand. Now before I get in too deep let me just say that the rumor was only a comment from some idiot, 2-bit, no-name blogger that thinks he is Barry Melrose of the internet...and it was probably just a dumb comment he made but I'm just checking. This guy seemed to have taken a comment from Lecavalier at the NHL awards as stating that he was "unsure" of his future with the Lightning. The Lightning signed him to a 7-year contract and he is the heart of the team and the fans and management love him, as does he love the organization. My question is, was this just the idiots crazy pipe dream of maybe getting Lecavalier on his team, or was there really legitimate rumors of him leaving the team? And if there was (which I doubt), how could that be since he just signed a 7 year contract and had the goals title this year? I wouldn't think he could (or would want to) get out of the contract, nor would the Tampa organization want to get rid of him ever.

Answer:
I hate to say it, but this rumor WAS true. At the time when it looked like the Lightning desperatley needed a #1 goaltender, but more importantly cap space, one of the big three (Vinny, Marty, and Richy) had to move. With Marty already in a no-trade clause, and Richy's no-trade clause beginning July 1st, the options were trade Richy before July 1st, or trade Vinny. With, Brad's bulky contract that most teams would not want, the only real option was Vinny. But lately, Jay Feaster has said that the Lightning will have more cap space than excepted, or in other words, the big three will stay. (at least for another year) Dont be surprised if we have nearly the exact same lineup as last year, sept grats and jan bulis.

Erica:
all these people dont know wat there talkin bout when they say "the Lightning should trade Brad Richards, no Vinny"

What is the NHL?

First off, you lose some credibility right off the top because Lecavalier is an UFA after next year. AT that point, chances are they will lose him. They have locked up too much $ in their "big 3" at the expense of the rest of the team. 21 million on 3 players only leaves about 27 for the rest of the whole team (assuming they use all their cap space).
That said, it was just a rumour. Although, Eklund is very reliable and obviously has alot of connections. The way he rates the moves is also great and by no means was this rumour highly rated. I have seen MANY of his rumours come true so you might be a little harsh with the idiot, 2 bit etc. thing.

Probably just a rumor, but nothing's impossible. Lecavalier stepped up his game this year immensely. It would be a shame for him to leave, but the organization might feel like they need to move in a different direction. They need to focus on getting a better goalie. Holmqvist did an ok job down the stretch, but I doubt he is the answer. It will be interesting to see the moves this team makes over the next couple of months.

Ah, tblightng beat me to mentioning the no-trade clause factors of Richards and St. Louis. Thanks for pointing that out. =)

Also worth mentioning is that Brad Richards is the Lightning's "franchise player". They want him to be Captain. He's paid more than Lecavalier, $7.8 million, which makes him the second-highest paid player in the league with only Jaromir Jagr being paid more.

All that, to me, is ridiculous. Especially if you draw up the comparison of Jagr and Richards, WOW. I think Bob's thinking the same as me, that Lecavalier seems more valueable. I guess the fact that he'll be a great player and score a lot of goals isn't as valueable to their franchise as someone who will take over in the leadership department. It doesn't seem like Lecavalier was ever going to get a second shot after being stripped of the "C".

The only thing truly logical I can think of is that he's already paid around $7 million (plus bonuses!) and his salary will only go up and up if he continues to be successful with the Lightning... Perhaps he already told them that if they choose to resign him, he'll need more money. They can't undo their deals with Richards and St. Louis, so they'll be left with that financial problem where they can't build up a good team because they won't be able to afford anyone good.

If I were Jay Feaster, I would trade Lecavalier before he morphs into the next Stephane Richer. Trade him to the Ducks for their back up goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov quickly!

Lightning rumor question?

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