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Saturday, June 7, 2008
Lecavalier ‘09 = Hossa ‘08?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This coming season the Tampa Bay Lightning will pretty much be in the same boat with Vincent Lecavalier as the Thrasher were with Marian Hossa last season. He is slated to be a UFA at the end of the ’08-’09 NHL season and the Bolts could be looking to move him come the trade deadline.
Orrrrrrrrrrrrrr……. maybe, just maybe the Lightning could be interested in entertaining offers for the 28-year old Lecavalier to unload his $7.16 million salary this summer. See, it sure looks like the future for that team is found in Steven Stamkos, so why not free up the space and the money for him… and get a little something in return for it as you go into the season?
If indeed Tampa Bay would be of mind to move the center now rather than later, what do you think of providing Ilya Kovalchuk with Lecavalier as the answer to his request for a true top line center? If you like the thought, then what would… and/or who would… you be willing to part ways with to bring him in?
Would it be a prospect and our #3 pick in the draft? If so, that would give the Bolts 2 of the top 3 picks…that sure would help them in their rebuilding effort. Would it be the pick we got from Pittsburgh in last February’s trade deadline deal along with a starter, say Ken Klee or Todd White? Maybe both?
Either way…we would have to part ways with something of value for a player with one year left on his $7 million-plus contract. But I have to tell you… the thought of him centering a line with Kovy is quite enticing to me.
Of course, the other option is to pass on it altogether because he might not sign with us after the season. That seems to be the most common excuse around here as to why certain deals should not go down. If that is your stance…and it is indeed the truth…then isn’t that the most damning piece of evidence as to the failure of the current GM and the futility of him remaining at that post?
Ah, but I digress…
Anyway, back to Vinny Lecavalier… the Bolts certainly may not even be interested in moving him. Even if they were, they could be very reluctant to do so inside the division. But, the Thrashers may need to make some type of deal like this in order to provide their star player with the one thing he needs and has made very clear he wants…a top line center.
And if Kovalchuk doesn’t get it…and next season turns out anything like last…then Hossa ’08 = Lecavalier ’09 could also equal Kovalchuk ’10.
And who likes that equation?
Anderson Watch Put On Hold
With Friday night’s 3-2 game four loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Chicago Wolves will have to wait until Saturday night to claim the Calder Cup at the earliest. It also prolongs the start of “Anderson Watch” in Blueland as many feel the Thrashers are waiting for him to finish up in Chi-town before asking him to come on down to the ATL.
Darren Haydar scored both Wolves goals in the loss.
Other Odds And Ends
Glen Wesley, the last remaining original Carolina Hurricane, is retiring after a 20-year career. He has been rewarded with a front office job and the Canes have stated that his No. 2 jersey will be retired.
Scott Burnside of ESPN.com feels as though Sidney Crosby has proven himself worthy of all the hype during Pittsburgh’s great playoff run.
Looks like you and I weren’t the only ones watching the Penguins and Detroit. This is very promising news for the league.
A few days ago we discussed how Nashville Predator’s co-owner William “Boots” Del Biaggio III had been accused of load fraud. Now…Boots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The CBC has decided to change the theme song to the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. Big deal, it’s just a song, right? Well, not to some people.
