It looks like the long and prestigious career of Ed Jovanovski is coming to an end, in the same place he started. He started his career as Florida's 1st overall pick in 1994, and 18 seasons later he finishes it there.
Word is he is not too thrilled about being bought out as he was hoping to end his career on his own terms. But business is business and he understands that.
He had a relatively successful return last year after hip resurfacing surgery a few years ago. That was a miraculous journey in and of itself, as he is the only person ever in the four major sports to come back to play after that procedure.
He is certainly and warrior and will be missed. Although he is likely going to retire, there has already been some discussion of him staying with the team in an a management role. He said he is open to the idea. He has meant so much to the young guys on this team, so it would be great if he decided to stick around.
I believe we are still waiting to see if Jovo's buyout will be regular or compliance. Florida has yet to use a compliance to this point. For a team that has proclaimed they want to be a "cap team," logic would say it should be compliance to create as much room as possible. But the free agent market isn't exactly littered with top end talent, so maybe Tallon is willing to absorb Jovo's money on the books for a year. There is already $2.2 million going to Kris Versteeg over the next two years, so that may make a Jovo compliance buyout mandatory.
Other grumblings in South Florida is the Flyers and Panthers may be talking a Scottie Ushall for Vinny Levavalier swap. While Upshall had a solid year after interim Head Coach Peter Horachek took over, I'm not quite sure Tallon is in love with him enough to keep him around. Lecavalier would certainly enjoy being back in Florida and if healthy could provide some excellent offensive help and great leadership for the young guns.
Such a deal would help Philly with their dire cap situation and Tallon would happily bring on Vinny and the extra $1.5 million over Upshall's salary to acquire him. However, with Florida's depth at center I'm not sure where Vinny would fit in unless they have ideas of him being a 4th line center or moving Trocheck to wing.
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