Dr.Sens(e)
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(AP) St. Louis: In a possible blockbuster move, league sources have indicated the St. Louis Blues might be prepared to ship out franchise center Vincent Lecavalier.
It is reported that during his end of season meetings with team management and coaches, Lecavalier voiced his displeasure at being placed on the third line during most of the post-season, in particular during the Blues final series loss to the Columbus Blue Jackats. While it is not believed he demanded a trade, it was discussed during what isdescribed as rather heated discussions with Blues management.
“He’s not happyâ€, said the league source. “The Blues don’t necessarily want to move him, but given his dissatisfaction and the fact that team needs a bit of a change, he might force their hand.â€
With limited ice time, Lecavalier was generally considered the Blues top centermen during the post-season, despite playing mostly with third liners Peter Schaefer and Jeff Halpern, while centers Joe Thornton and Craig Conroy saw more line ice time with top wingers such as Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley.
“Vince is a team guy, but how long does he want to play third fiddle on that team to Thornton and Conroy?†stated the source. “I think he now wants to be the guy.â€
While it is no secret the Blues have been shopping for a deal that will provide them with cap room, the 25 year old Lecavalier is signed to a very affordable deal at $1.8 million per year, so it seems unlikely the Blues would make the deal based purely on giving them financial flexibility.
Earlier in the spring, TSN hockey analyst Bob MacKenzie reported the Blues were considering shipping out one of their centermen, as the 1-2-3 attack of Thornton, Conroy and Lecavalier has failed to get the Blues past the conference final over the last four years.
Lecavalier’s recent request for a trade might be the impetus to have him the one leaving town.
It is reported that during his end of season meetings with team management and coaches, Lecavalier voiced his displeasure at being placed on the third line during most of the post-season, in particular during the Blues final series loss to the Columbus Blue Jackats. While it is not believed he demanded a trade, it was discussed during what isdescribed as rather heated discussions with Blues management.
“He’s not happyâ€, said the league source. “The Blues don’t necessarily want to move him, but given his dissatisfaction and the fact that team needs a bit of a change, he might force their hand.â€
With limited ice time, Lecavalier was generally considered the Blues top centermen during the post-season, despite playing mostly with third liners Peter Schaefer and Jeff Halpern, while centers Joe Thornton and Craig Conroy saw more line ice time with top wingers such as Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley.
“Vince is a team guy, but how long does he want to play third fiddle on that team to Thornton and Conroy?†stated the source. “I think he now wants to be the guy.â€
While it is no secret the Blues have been shopping for a deal that will provide them with cap room, the 25 year old Lecavalier is signed to a very affordable deal at $1.8 million per year, so it seems unlikely the Blues would make the deal based purely on giving them financial flexibility.
Earlier in the spring, TSN hockey analyst Bob MacKenzie reported the Blues were considering shipping out one of their centermen, as the 1-2-3 attack of Thornton, Conroy and Lecavalier has failed to get the Blues past the conference final over the last four years.
Lecavalier’s recent request for a trade might be the impetus to have him the one leaving town.
