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Players Remain Optimistic

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

TAMPA - Out with the old and in with the new won't affect Vinny Lecavalier's commitment to the Lightning.

Despite a pending change in ownership and a certain change in head coaches, Lecavalier said he intends to discuss signing a long-term deal that could keep him with Tampa Bay his entire career.

"I want to. I just think they want to wait to be officially in charge before we talk about it," Lecavalier said Tuesday. "I'm looking forward to the new owners. They have a passion for the game. Oren Koules and Len Barrie have played the game. I'm encouraged about the new owners, and I'm excited about things."

There will be plenty of new when the team opens camp next season, including a new coach after John Tortorella's firing was made official Tuesday, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the most successful coach in team history.

"I think we all kind of knew this was going to happen," said Lecavalier, who is home in Montreal following a positive check-up on his surgically repaired right shoulder. "With the new owners coming in, there's always that chance for change. And when the team finished last, we all know that players can leave or coaches will leave; it's part of the business. I wish him the best."

The news did not come as a shock to Marty St. Louis, either.

"There had been tons of rumors, so it didn't catch me off-guard at all," said St. Louis, who credited Tortorella for helping turn him into an All-Star. "With the way we played this year, being 30th in the league and on top of the ownership situation, we all know changes can happen. It's disappointing, but we didn't play good enough as a team this year, and it's certainly easier to change one guy than it is to change 20 players.

"I wish Tortorella nothing but the best. He's been a big part of this community on and off the ice. What he has done here will stay forever. It's a great foundation that he helped set here."

As far as rumored replacement Barry Melrose, St. Louis said he hasn't been paying close attention to who might be taking over.

"Just what I've been reading," he said when asked about Melrose. "I'm not going to worry about that right now. It's kind of easy to get wrapped up with the family lifestyle right now. I'll check back in when it's time, but right now I'm worried about taking care of three boys. I'm optimistic about starting next year with a clean slate."

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