Lightning to be active at the deadline
Why now: “We wanted to get to this point when we sat down last year as a group to be playing meaningful games for the playoffs and we are there now, and that’s not good enough. Finishing ninth is not good enough for the Tampa Bay Lightning, coming up a little short isn’t good enough. We’ve got high expectations that runs from our past ownership to our eventual new ownership, that is crystal clear and everybody should understand that.’‘
Bolts' Lawton: Despite sale reports, no plans to trade VinnyThe GM says he can't control the reports but says the focus should be on Vinny Lecavalier's improved play after a slow start.
ERIK ERLENDSSON With all kinds of reports circulating in regards to a potential sale of the Lightning, including one suggesting moving captain Vinny Lecavalier as part of any sale to prospective owner Jeffrey Vinik, Tampa Bay general manager Brian Lawton on Sunday squelched some of what has been reported.
The Latest Lecavailler NewsKent Hughes, the agent for Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier, did react to a Hockey News story that said if Vinik takes control, he could ask Lecavalier to waive his no-move clause as a way for the team to cut costs.
Lecavalier, 29, with 14 goals and 52 points, is in the first year of an 11-year, $85 million deal that pays $10 million this season.
No-trade clause eases Vinny Lecavalier's mind Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Vinny Lecavalier said he heard the rumor, first reported by the Ottawa Sun, that the Rangers tried to start trade talks for him, but he didn't think much of it.
Tampa Bay general manager Brian Lawton called the rumor "completely false," but Lecavalier said he hardly paid attention.
HEADED FOR DIVORCE?Elliotte Friedman
Hotstover Pierre LeBrun’s weekly ESPN blatherings included more rumblings that Vincent Lecavalier is unhappy in Tampa. I have no doubt Pierre is correct. Lecavalier simply does not trust Lightning management/ownership after everything that happened last year. No matter what anyone connected with that franchise says - number four was available for trade.
will Vinny Lecavalier ask to be traded?Get him going - one way or the other
Tampa’s continued (and not unexpected) mediocrity had ex-Bruin Rick Tocchet, the Lightning bench boss, questioning the passion of some of his charges, including captain Vinny Lecavalier. “He has to show us that’s he’s ready to play,’’ said Tocchet, disillusioned that the franchise center has only potted three goals this season.
