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Ownership's Passion Excites Vinny

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 14, 2008

TAMPA - Vinny Lecavalier said he senses the enthusiasm new owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie exude with each conversation he has with them. So the face of the franchise is all for finishing out his playing days with the Lightning.

Tampa Bay made official Sunday the details of Lecavalier's 11-year, $85 million contract extension.

"It feels really nice," said Lecavalier, who will meet with season-ticket holders and fans Tuesday. "I started my career here, and we had a few rough years, then we win the Stanley Cup to being in last place last year. But I truly believe we have a bright future and I'm excited to be a part of it. I love Tampa, I've always said that."

Lecavalier's new contract, which includes a full no-movement clause, nearly guarantees he will be here for the rest of his hockey career. He will be paid $10 million annually, starting at the beginning of the 2009-10 season, for the first seven years of the contract while decreasing annually from $8.5 million to $4 million to $1.5 million before bottoming out at $1 million for the 2019-20 season.

Aside from the long-term security the contract guarantees, Lecavalier said he is excited with ownership's long-term plan about the team's chances of competing for a long time.

"They are very passionate and they've said all along they want to win and they have proven that with all the players that have been brought in and all the moves they've made since July 1," Lecavalier said.

Lecavalier also has become a pillar in the community in the 10 years since he was drafted first overall, the highlight being his $3 million commitment to All Children's Hospital's pediatric care center.

"Not only is Vincent one of the most dynamic players in the NHL, he's one of the classiest people you'll ever meet," Lightning vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said. With this deal our ownership has made it clear that he is the cornerstone of the Lightning, and Vincent has shown his dedication to the franchise and the Tampa Bay area by signing for less than he undoubtedly would've received on the open market."

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835 or eerlendsson@tampatrib.com.

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