Any other year, and Vincent Lecavalier's so-so start to the season wouldn't have generated this much attention.
But this happens to be the first season of an 11-year, $85 million contract, a deal which pays him $10 million a season for the first seven years.
This also happens to be an Olympic year, which means, at least in Canada, his so-so start has generated big-time buzz.
And believe me, the people who will be picking Team Canada's 2010 lineup have also noticed. The 29-year-old Lecavalier is very much on the bubble after producing just one goal in the month of October.
Lecavalier, speaking to a handful of us Tuesday night in Toronto, said his first concern is always the Tampa Bay Lightning, but, obviously, the Olympics are also weighing on him.
"It's also in the back of my mind that I want to be part of this Olympic team," Lecavalier said after Tampa Bay's 2-1 overtime win over Toronto. "Even though I struggled a little bit in the first month, I really think if I have a good month of November -- I don't know exactly when they pick that team -- but if I have a good month and a half, hopefully I can be part of that team."
Team Canada will announce its roster Dec. 31. Lecavalier has some work to do in the meantime. He played one of his better games of the season Tuesday night at Air Canada Centre with Team Canada GM Steve Yzerman and his management staff looking on. The relief on his face after scoring his second goal of the season was palpable. He needed that goal.
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Re: Pressure building for Vincent Lecavalier (Score: 1) by hockey_lover on Thursday, November 05 @ 11:45:55 MST (User Info | Send a Message)
He HAS to start picking up his play. 2 goals and a -7 is not nearly good enough. He is on pace for what .. 15 goals? No way that a) he will be worth the $10m a season and b) be considered to the Canadian team when there are players playing WELL above him.
If he picks up the pace and starts playing well, then by all means, he has the leadership and experience to make the team and should be there. but again, if he is playing well.
Re: Pressure building for Vincent Lecavalier (Score: 1) by mojo19 on Thursday, November 05 @ 19:04:42 MST (User Info | Send a Message)
How many players are really worth $10 million a year when they're age 34, 35, 36? Not many, Vinny needs to play way better, he looks bad. I've watched 2 Tampa games this year and he has been such a non factor (scored vs the Leafs but was not the best player on Tampa, not even close.)
If you were an NHL GM would you deal for Vinny? Would you want that $7.5 million cap hit in 5 or 6 years? How about in 7 or 8 years, or 10? That's a long contract, which even if he picks up his play, he might only be worth it for a couple more years before being overpaid. And thats IF he picks it up.
