Jan
12
2009
The suddenly watchable Columbus Blue Jackets took a heavy blow to their offense today with Rick Nash being placed on the IR . Nash was leading the Jackets in just about everything offensive, and showing some consistency (something he’s lacked in previous seasons).
Columbus usually either a) wins via shutout from super-rookie Steve Mason or b) gets shut out; they’re going to need increased output from kids Nikita Filatov, Jakub Voracek, and anything they can squeeze out of veterans R.J. Umberger and Kristian Huselius.
I’m going to holla a collective “Fuck-Off” in Tampa Bay’s direction for subjecting hockey fans to their yearly dose of Vincent Lecavalier trade rumours. TSN’s Darren Dreger must have been hard up for a front-page story today, as he’s fueling this shit with his latest piece.
Interesting rumblings crawling out of Phoenix, the Toronto Star’s Damien Cocks weighs-in on the future of the Coyotes and spills the word that the organization is laying-off employees (who isn’t?). Cox also hands out his mid-season performance awards, and he names Dominic Moore as the “Top Leaf”. That’s fucking sad.
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DHT
Jan
12
2009
Even with Vinny Lecavalier being locked-up with a “lifetime” contract, the persistent rumours involving his name and trade talk just won’t go away.
Lecavalier trade rumours resurfaced this past week when multiple sources began commenting on the financial struggles of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Vinny’s agent, Kent Hughes, was quick on the draw to shoot down any rumblings stating that he had assurance from Lightning owner Oren Koules that Vin was not going to be traded.
There are a couple of indicators to the contrary.
The Lightning signed Lecavalier to an 11-year, $86.5 million contract extension last summer, but that deal doesn’t kick in until next year. Vinny was given a no-trade clause with the deal, and that doesn’t take effect until July 1 2009. A very interesting set of circumstances indeed. Take into account that the Lightning are handcuffed by a number of bad deals (St. Louis, Malone, Roberts) and also that the team has been terribly shitty this season, then you have a case to believe.
I think it’s unlikely that he is moved before the March 4th deadline, barring an outstanding offer by a desperate contender. Never say never.
Hockeybuzz.com likes the Montreal Canadiens as a potential fit for Lecavalier, and they have the resources to make a move. Rumours of the Habs bringing Vinny back to the motherland have been around since he was drafted as an 18 year-old.
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SL
