You Call That Hockey?: Vincent Lecavalier's Future

Vincent Lecavalier, The long time Tampa forward is about to hit free agency during a strange and unpredictable time. A year or two ago Vinny would be walking away with a monster 10 year deal worth $65 million.

Fast forward to 2013. He's older(33) and slightly less productive depending on who you ask(If you ask me, not at all). Oh, And he's about to be bought out of a nasty contract that benefitted only him(Lecavalier) and his agent.


Fast forward to July 5th 2013. The market opens and Lecavalier will be receiving five to ten offers from teams falling over themselves to try and pick up a potential #1 center for free.


Does this not sound like Tampa 2.0? Is money going to be the biggest factor or is he going to Montreal for less? Growing up a Hab fan gives the Canadiens a distinct advantage in the process and more than likely a discount to boot.


Then you have teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs.  There is a hole between all-star wingers Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. They represent guaranteed top line minutes and a fat paycheck likely in the $6 million+ range.


Does Lecavalier shy away from the spotlight that he has managed to avoid since being drafted to a non-traditional market? Does Vinny thrive in a market that loves hockey or does he wither?


What kind of contract does he sign? Surely there will be teams offering the maximum term of seven seasons. I believe it will take $42 million($6 Million/7 season) in the bank to entice the French Canadian.


The real question is can he live up to that? We've seen Vinny pot 50 goals and also put pen to paper on a monster deal before slowing down and coming back down to a normal but respectable scoring pace so the question is will this time be different?


I think the reasonable expectation in this precarious situation is to accept that Lecavalier's best years are behind him but that he can still be a game changing acquisition that becomes available so rarely that anyone who goes for broke once free agency opens will simply be understood as taking a necessary chance,  whether it's a hit or a miss a few seasons from now is something only Vincent Lecavalier can decide but he has a fresh start and a golden opportunity now to make Tampa regret the buyout and his doubters silent.

For kicks here is Vinny's 52 goal breakout season

                                       (not my video)