Remember to Give Michael a Follow on Twitter!
A few days ago I posted a piece examining Vincent Lecavalier’s situation and making the argument to keep him around. Tonight, it’s time to look at the other side of the equation.
For fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning, it’s hard to imagine a Bolts squad without Vincent Lecavalier. The prospect of a Lecavalier buyout has been discussed at length. While the financial gain that would stem from the buyout is certainly attractive, it would not come without the weight of some very serious cons. It is the job of Steve Yzerman to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision that could ultimately shape the face of the franchise for years to come.
Regardless of all that Lecavalier has done and continues to do for the Lightning, the reality is that his $85MM contract is hampering the team. While still an effective second line center and one heck of a captain, Lecavalier’s play does not warrant a $7.7MM cap hit. As hard as that is to admit, it’s a certainty that every Lightning fan needs to realize. While many, including myself, have been quick to defend Lecavalier and argue against a buyout, the tides in Tampa seem to be shifting. Asked recently about buyouts
by ESPN, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman made no promises to Lecavalier, Malone, or anyone else.
[Buyouts are] something to consider. … Given that we finished in 28th place, we should be looking at every possibility of improving our team and what are options are. Other than that, I can’t say much.
Read into that what you will, but it’s hardly a vote of confidence for the man who wears number four. Given Yzerman’s track record of being very direct, his vague answer leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Rewind to this year’s trade deadline and recall his answer when asked about the Martin St. Louis trade rumors. Yzerman made it very clear that St. Louis wasn’t going anywhere. He kept his word. Ask yourself this: is the Lecavalier situation all that much different?
If the Lightning didn’t hold the third overall pick in the draft, it would be hard to rationalize a Lecavalier buyout as the kind of move that would improve the franchise. However, with Sasha Barkov likely to be available in the three slot, that all changes. Drafting a player like Barkov, who Al Murray compared to Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, would solidify the Lightning at center ice for years to come. He’s big, solid, and boasts one very impressive resume for a seventeen-year-old. In addition, freeing up Lecavalier’s cap space would allow Steve Yzerman to go out and sign a defender and perhaps even a power forward. To sum up, it would allow Yzerman to craft a much more balanced roster.
As said earlier, it's hard to imagine a Lightning roster without Vincent Lecavalier. He's a leader, an offensive threat, and one of the best second line centers in the league. Add to that all he does outside the rink, and it's almost sad to even be considering a buyout. That being said, hockey is a business and Steve Yzerman needs to do everything he can to make the Lightning better. The question now is whether or not he feels as though buying out Lecavalier would make the Lightning a more competitive team.
Having already examined the other side of the Lecavalier argument in a previous piece, it’s time for you to make the big decision. Will the Lightning use a compliance buyout on Vincent Lecavalier once the Stanley Cup Final concludes, or will number four be in a Tampa Bay Lightning jersey come next season? I, for one, am completely torn. Both sides of the argument are incredibly compelling, and it’s hard to envy the position in which Steve Yzerman finds himself.
As always, thanks for reading.
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»