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Lecavalier Trade Rumors Won't Go Away

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 13, 2009

After already having traded away half the core of a Stanley Cup championship team in the past 11 months, the Lightning might be on the verge of the unthinkable - trading iconic superstar Vinny Lecavalier.

Since February, even before Tampa Bay's new ownership group officially took control of the team, former Conn Smythe trophy winner Brad Richards and defenseman Dan Boyle - half the core of four from the 2004 title team - have been dealt.

And if reports that surfaced Monday are accurate, Lecavalier could be next, leaving former MVP Marty St. Louis as the lone remaining link to the only title in franchise history.

Although Lecavalier signed an $85 million, 11-year contract extension in July, the no-movement clause included in the deal does not begin until July 1, meaning the team does not require Lecavalier's permission to move him.

But the ball may be in Lecavalier's court; if he wants out, he can be obliged. If he wants to stay, the team likely won't force the issue.

According to Bob McKenzie from Canadian television station TSN, there are some within the organization who believe Lecavalier should be moved for the potential package the team could receive in return for one of the game's top players. Others, however, believe trading Lecavalier could cripple the team at the ticket gate, where the Lightning already have been struggling this season.

There are other reports that suggest talks with Montreal already have reached the point of an agreed-upon deal that features a package that includes forwards Chris Higgins and Tomas Plekanec and defensive prospect P.K. Subban, along with multiple first-round picks. French Canadian station RDS reported that four other teams are believed to have held discussions with Tampa Bay.

Montreal general manager Bob Gainey sidestepped the issue when he met with reporters Monday.

No matter how the situation plays out, however, a team source indicated that if something does happen, the process won't move quickly.

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835. Keyword: Lightning, for coverage of Monday's late game against the Kings.

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