By Joce, Senior Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

Every time Vincent Lecavalier hits the free agents’ market, or every time there are rumours about him being traded, it creates huge waves around Montreal. It’s not his own doing as much as the desire by many fans to find a true local star player, someone they can relate to as explained in a previous article, the Impact of Local Players on the Canadiens. The worst part in all of this is that the Lecavalier talks leave very few indifferent, generating countless debates over it.

PENTICTON, BC. — The decision by Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay owner to buy out the team captain’s long term contract couldn’t be an easy one. The 33-year-old was drafted by the Lightning and he started his career with them, serving as the face of the franchise since then. Lecavalier has never left any doubts about his love for the city and his desire to play there for his entire career while raising his kids in Florida. His dedication to the community has been immense both on and off the ice. But hockey is a business more than ever and with the salary cap going down next year, the organisation made the difficult decision of buying out a fan favourite, saving in the process $7.72 million per season in cap hit, although they’ll have to pay him $32.67 million in actual money over the next 14 years.

Now what?

Daniel Brière told reporters a few days ago that 15 teams were interested in his services. How many teams will be interested in a 6’4” and 215 pounds offensive center who has averaged 0.8 points per game in the last three years, and coming off a 32-point season (in 39 games played)? Nobody knows exactly how many but all can rest assured that more than 15 teams will at least inquire to his agent Kent Hughes about getting him.

But ultimately, what will Vinny want to do? He will once again have the politically correct answers ready, he will show that he has interest in pretty much all teams, particularly Canadian-based teams and most definitely, he will talk about having interest in signing with the Canadiens. Is it really what he wants though? I was listening to Hockey Central when Brad May said that he spoke to one of Lecavalier’s teammates who is convinced that Vinny will stay in the US, stating that he wants nothing to do with playing in Canada. Who knows?

If he is truly in love with Tampa Bay and feels a strong attachment the state of Florida, there is little doubt that the Panthers would be very interested in adding the veteran center to their line-up and one would expect that Dale Tallon should be one of the most aggressive GMs out there at trying to convince Vinny to stay in the Sunshine State.

Toronto has been looking for a number one center for years and Dave Nonis plans on making some moves to improve his team. While they may not need Lecavalier from a marketing stand point, he would be a huge improvement over Grabovski and/or Bozak, making Phil Kessel a very happy winger. Expect the Leafs, knowing that the Habs will have some interest, to throw a lot of money at Lecavalier, affecting the asking price.

Jay Feaster had Lecavalier in Tampa Bay and the Flames are desperately looking for a top line center. How is the relationship between the GM and the star center? And would he accept to play in the Western Conference, having the choice? The Flames are not afraid to spend money on players they want and don’t expect this to be any different.

Lecavalier grew up idolizing Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings and rumours are that they do have some level of interest in the newly declared free agent. For any player, being coached by Mike Babcock is a very good experience so let’s not count out that possibility.

The Washington Capitals chose not to re-sign Mike Ribeiro and the thought of landing a Vinny Lecavalier to play with Alex Ovechkin is likely making that organization drool a little bit. The Caps are pretty close to the salary cap for next year but it wouldn’t be hard for them to shed the necessary room.

While their glaring need is in goal and on defense, never, ever count out Paul Holmgren and the Flyers. He has shown over and over again that he’s not afraid to make bold moves in order to sign someone that he really wants. If he can sign Lecavalier, he might be able to trade some other asset for some help on defense…

What about the Habs?

With Tomas Plekanec, Lars Eller and recently signed David Desharnais, as well as young Alex Galchenyuk being groomed to become the franchise’s next big center, the Canadiens appear set at that position. But it’s Vincent Lecavalier we’re talking about! True, he’s not the 50 goals, 100 points player he once was but how many players on the team have averaged eight points every ten games lately, wearing the bleu-blanc-rouge? Further, he’s a big center who performs well under pressure, in the playoffs.

As long as people’s expectations are somewhat reasonable, Lecavalier could perform well in Montreal. Also, what better role model can someone expect for young Galchenyuk than a guy who also was the face of a franchise, knowing the pressure that comes with it, teaching him the ropes of becoming a successful professional hockey player?

While Marc Bergevin just signed David Desharnais to a new deal, he was unaware at the time that Lecavalier would be bought out. If you replace DD by Vinny, you have improved your team. The Canadiens may not want to give up on Lars Eller just yet, and wait to see how he bounces back from his injury. Otherwise, what kind of return could Plekanec bring? I’m thinking that he could easily bring a solid Top 3-4 defenseman. Would the team be stronger with Plekanec or with Lecavalier and a Top 4 defenseman?

Let’s be careful though. Lecavalier said in his press conference that he is looking for a long term deal. Define long term, Vinny? Would a 3-4 year deal be long enough? How much are you expecting to get paid? While the consensus appears to be that he won’t make more than $4 to $5 million a year, it will all depend on how desperate teams are to get him, as they get into a bidding war… and that’s very risky.

There is no doubt in my mind that Marc Bergevin will have some legitimate interest in Lecavalier. What’s left to determine is how much interest he has, and if Vinny is genuinely interested in playing in Montreal. It will sure make for an interesting time leading up to the free agency bonanza on July 5, as Lecavalier becomes a UFA.

Someone asked me my gut feeling? I don’t expect Lecavalier to sign in Montreal… unfortunately.

En français: Lecavalier errant : le dilemme de Marc Bergevin