Speculation: Cam Ward / Vinny Lecavalier

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Guys, Put this in the FWIW category, but a buddy of mine who has some "loose" ties to the Canes mentioned to me that the Canes and Flyers were in talks about a Ward for Lecavalier swap. He said it is more than just kicking the tires at this time.

He said the Canes really don't want to trade Ward within the division, but there aren't a whole lot of takers right now and that the Flyers want the Canes to retain some salary/cap due to them paying Mason $4M+ / year and because Vinny's cap is lower.

Not putting this on the main board because the source isn't what I'd call rock solid, but passing it along here as "speculation" (and I don't feel like dealing with all the **** that comes on the main trade board). He did tell me a few years ago about the SJ/Canes talks on Wallin long before that happened so he does have some insight, but he was tighter with the Maurice regime.

Just curious what you guys think about a move like that if it were to come to fruition?

Click to read more...

 

[Joe McGrath]

Vinny's contract is a bigger albatross (4 more years I think)and if they retain money on Cam they aren't actually saving any money.

If they retain money on Cam they would actually be spending more money this year (Vinny's salary is $6mil dropping to 4.5 next two years and 3.5 the following year)

 

[Ole Gil]

I mentioned his name in the Summer Wishlist thread. Figured it'd have to involve a 3rd team, but if they make the cap hits a wash, I'd say yes please.

Vinny wants to play Center, we have a big gaping hole at Center. Seems like a great fit. Skinner-Lecavlier strikes a bit more fear in opponents than Skinner-Nash, I think.

Vinny's contract is a bigger albatross (4 more years I think)and if they retain money on Cam they aren't actually saving any money.

It's a cap hit albatross at 4.5 per. But actual money is 4/14.5 if the deal is July 2nd or something like that. (3.6 per)

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Vinny's contract is a bigger albatross (4 more years I think)and if they retain money on Cam they aren't actually saving any money.

I agree and capwise it won't help. But Vinny has a de-escalating salary.

$6M, $4.5M, $3M, $3M so if he ends up struggling after a year or two, his salary is manageable. I honestly don't see it happening, but it was interesting at least. And if the Canes have to retain salary/cap, I'd think Francis would ask for a pick or prospect?

 

[What the Faulk]

I'm not sure I'd like it if it were a 1 for 1 swap with no salary retained on either side. It takes on salary (while filling a hole) and pushes them closer to the cap. I'd much rather see them sign Richards if they want an ex-Bolt.

Ward seems pretty immovable.

 

[Identity404]

Vinny's contract is a bigger albatross (4 more years I think)and if they retain money on Cam they aren't actually saving any money.

If they retain money on Cam they would actually be spending more money this year (Vinny's salary is $6mil dropping to 4.5 next two years and 3.5 the following year)

Yeah.. This.

Not to mention that on top of his salary he has 2M signing bonus for the next couple of years. Can't see PK wanting to pay that.

 

[Joe McGrath]

How would it work for the Flyers cap if they pay his bonus?

In any event, not having to pay him $6mil this year would make it much more palatable. I think he's all done though, so 4 years of him at any cost doesn't seem all that enticing.

 

[Anton Babchuk]

Shoot me now

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

How would it work for the Flyers cap if they pay his bonus?

Ah, I forgot about the bonus. That's probably why the request to retain salary is key. Good point.

In any event, not having to pay him $6mil this year would make it much more palatable. I think he's all done though, so 4 years of him at any cost doesn't seem all that enticing.

I'm kind of with WTF. I'd rather go after Richards for free if they want a VET 3C. Richards can probably help on the point on the PP more as well?

 

[TheBigKahuna]

I'm perfectly Ok with the Canes taking back a big/bad contract in exchange for Ward. I'd rather have $6m out there playing for 15-18 minutes a night, than opening the bench door most nights!

 

[Joe McGrath]

I'm kind of with WTF. I'd rather go after Richards for free if they want a VET 3C. Richards can probably help on the point on the PP more as well?

Agreed. But in that scenario they are still stuck with Ward so they can't afford him on July 1.

 

[the halleJOKEL]

Shoot me now

no wait u have so much to live for!!

*reads op*

rip in peace

 

[Joe McGrath]

I'm perfectly Ok with the Canes taking back a big/bad contract in exchange for Ward. I'd rather have $6m out there playing for 15-18 minutes a night, than opening the bench door most nights!

What if that guy playing 15-18 minutes a night is terrible? Like Vinny was last season.

 

[bluedevil58*]

I would do this in a heart beat. My only concern would be come playoff time this trade would probably come back to haunt us and cause us to be eliminated....we have to get to the playoffs first so one victory at a time....

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

What if that guy playing 15-18 minutes a night is terrible? Like Vinny was last season.

I think it comes down to can he stay healthy. From what I understand, he was playing fairly well until he hurt his back. When he came back, his play wasn't at the same level. That's the biggest concern with his age and the wear and tear.

 

[TheBigKahuna]

What if that guy playing 15-18 minutes a night is terrible? Like Vinny was last season.

I just can't see Vinny being as bad as Nash/Malhotra/etc. Also gives you a much better set of options for line combos on 1-3.

I'd rather spend the money on a guy who MAY contribute to either the blueline or the forwards, than a bench door operator.

 

[TheOllieC]

Shoot me now

no wait u have so much to live for!!

*reads op*

rip in peace

Basically my thoughts while reading this.

 

[Joe McGrath]

I think it comes down to can he stay healthy. From what I understand, he was playing fairly well until he hurt his back. When he came back, his play wasn't at the same level. That's the biggest concern with his age and the wear and tear.

If his contract ended the same time as Ward's I wouldn't bat an eyelash. I can't have another useless player making even $3 mil a year 3 years down the road though. He's 34 and hasn't played a full season since 2009-2010.

 

[bluedevil58*]

Hey things could be worse. Toews and Kane are both seeking 12M a year in salary. Things could be worse than our 6M dollar man.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

If his contract ended the same time as Ward's I wouldn't bat an eyelash. I can't have another useless player making even $3 mil a year 3 years down the road though. He's 34 and hasn't played a full season since 2009-2010.

Oh I agree Joe. I wouldn't want to do this deal either. I'm just throwing out there what the Canes might be thinking about when discussing this deal.

 

[What the Faulk]

I just can't see Vinny being as bad as Nash/Malhotra/etc. Also gives you a much better set of options for line combos on 1-3.

I'd rather spend the money on a guy who MAY contribute to either the blueline or the forwards, than a bench door operator.

"Not as bad as Nash/Malhotra" isn't saying much when the dude makes 10M next year with a 7.7M cap hit.

 

[tarheelhockey]

If it were Cam Ward the hockey player for Vinny Lecavalier the hockey player, I'd be ok with it. It would fill a hole for us, and Lecavalier is actually a pretty good middle-6 center when he's on his game.

But it's not a hockey trade, it's a contract trade.

I cannot in any way see this organization paying $10M AND retaining salary for the next two years, just to move Ward for Vinny. Never mind the $12M he'd make from '17 to '18, and the cap-albatross years after that.

$10M in real salary, plus retention on our side? GTFO, Flyers.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

"Not as bad as Nash/Malhotra" isn't saying much when the dude makes 10M next year with a 7.7M cap hit.

He doesn't make $10M. You guys are looking at his "OLD" contract which was bought out by TB (or you are adding the Signing bonus which is already included in the Salary column).

His Salary is as follows:

14/15: $6M: $2M salary + $4M Bonus
15/16: $6M: $4M salary + $2M Bonus
16/17: $3M: $2.5M salary + $0.5M Bonus
17/18: $3M

If Philly was eating that $4M bonus this season, I could see why they are wanting the Canes to retain salary. Still, I wouldn't do it but I understand the request.

Cap hit is $4.5M / year

 

[bleedgreen]

We aren't moving ward without taking something that's equally risky back. Vinny as a third line center is pretty interesting. As bad as his season was, he still scored 20. He's more talented than most of our roster. I'm not saying I'd be jumping for joy by any stretch, but we could do worse than vinny. Especially if we didn't retain salary. If we do I'm not sure how I'd feel, have to see the numbers. If going into last season he had come to us instead of Philly I'm not sure so many would be against it. Not much has changed. Playing lesser minutes in a lesser role until a staal gets hurt and we needed more from him? He's the right player for that job IMO. How many better third line centers are out there? We could get maybe ott, obvious difference in talent there.

This is a move to get rid of ward. We could do worse.

 

[What the Faulk]

He doesn't make $10M. You guys are looking at his "OLD" contract which was bought out by TB (or you are adding the Signing bonus which is already included in the Salary column).

His Salary is as follows:

14/15: $6M: $2M salary + $4M Bonus
15/16: $6M: $4M salary + $2M Bonus
16/17: $3M: $2.5M salary + $0.5M Bonus
17/18: $3M

If Philly was eating that $4M bonus this season, I could see why they are wanting the Canes to retain salary. Still, I wouldn't do it but I understand the request.

Cap hit is $4.5M / year

Oh, whoops, I was. I just saw a large contract and assumed Philadelphia.

More manageable, but I still pass.