Is Vinny available and can Gainey make it work?

As infatuated as most Canadiens fans are with the prospects of getting a Vincent Lecavalier into a Habs sweater, there still begs the question that needs to be answered: What would it take to get Lecavalier out of Tampa?

If it takes a package of Higgins, Plekanec, any blue chip prospect not named Subban, Pacioretty or McDonagh plus a first and/or second round pick in 2009/2010, then Gainey should pull the trigger.

As much as I would hate losing two solid roster players like Plekanec and Higgins, their presence in the lineup hasn’t been as relevant to the team success thus far this season.

During Higgins absence with a shoulder injury, the Canadiens are 9-1-1 while Tomas Plekanec’s play has picked up since the Christmas break (GP-8 G-3 A-4), but his overall play has dropped off with the Habs having a six point improve over the same span as last year.

Acquiring the home grown and extremely talented Lecavalier isn’t without its concerns, especially from a financial, long term perspective.

Having a $85 million salary cap commitment on books for the next 10-11 years is a definite concern. Gainey will have room to accommodate Vinnie’s salary though it will be at the expense of Gainey not signing some of his UFAs plus limiting longer term plans.

For argument’s sake and hypothetically speaking, let’s assume Gainey doesn’t re-sign Kovalev, Lang, Tanguay, Brisebois, Dandenault and Begin after the season. That frees up approximately $18 million plus another $3.3 million if Plekanec and Higgins are sent to Tampa.

A grand total of +/- $21.3 million to sign Komisarek, Koivu, Kostopoulos, Bouillon (yes, if the price is right!) and absorb Lecavalier’s salary. A tough squeeze but certainly possible to get done.

Rocket:

Before we start lowering the #4 from the rafters of the Bell Centre so that it can be worn by the ‘next coming of Beliveau’, let’s add a dose of reality to the conversation.

TSN’s Dreger reports that there has been “steady and consistent dialogue” between the Canadiens and the Lightning and that the expectations of the Tampa brass are “extraordinarily high” with respect to the asking price for Lecavalier.

Dreger believes that it will take up to 4 NHL’ers, a prospect and draft picks to complete the deal. The names he mentioned are Higgins, Plekanec, Pacioretty and Subban. Wow…that is an ‘extraordinary’ asking price!

If the Canadiens have to part with a prospect, I would rather it be Subban. While PK is a better interviewee, McDonagh is the better hockey player.

Plekanec is the most under-rated Canadien next to Koivu. He is good at both ends of the ice. His lack of point production has more to do with his wingers as Plek’s effort has never waivered.

It is odd to me that Higgins, a guy who is passionate about the Canadiens would be part of a trade for someone like Lecavalier who has said he prefers the money, weather and anonymity in Florida.

The price tag in terms of dollars and talent that would be required to get Lecav is enormous. If Pacioretty and this year’s first pick were sent to Tampa Bay as is being rumoured, the Canadiens would be without a first round draft choice for 3 consecutive years (2007, 2008, 2009). Moves like that eventually bankrupt the team’s talent base.

In dollar terms, Lecavalier’s contract is a huge financial burden. While Habster was able to juggle the arithmetic to shoe-horn Lecav’s salary into the cap for next year, it has to be remembered that the Canadiens GM has to do that for a decade to make it work. Lecavalier has a contract for 11 years at $85 million. Do the Canadiens really want to handcuff their team so much just for one guy who is, at best, lukewarm about playing here.

And if it is decided that the Canadiens are willing to give up 4 players + prospects + draft picks to sign one impact player, is Lecavalier the best choice? In my opinion, it would be Rick Nash. Hell, if you want to ship a boat load of players to bring in a superstar, why not aim for Tavares? (tongue-in cheek. just trying to make a point!) Or what about Kovalchuk? I’m sure he could be had for a lot less.

I simply think that some realism and some perspective is needed before people get whipped into a frenzy expecting the Canadiens to do something that could really be talked about as one of the most lopsided trades in league history.