SPORTSNET.CA —
Tampa Bay Lighting general manager Brian Lawton is denying talk that Vincent Lecavalier is going to be dealt Monday to the Edmonton Oilers for a large package of players and draft picks.
According to a report Sunday by Sun Media’s Bruce Garrioch, the rumoured deal would have sent Lecavalier to Edmonton for three players, two prospects, two No. 1 picks and a third-rounder.
However, Lawton denies there was any deal on the table.
“It’s just a pipe dream that people think we’re going to trade him,” Lawton told Sun Media..
“We’re excited about the way our team is playing and I don’t think it’s fair to continue to talk about these things. I’ve said he’s not going to be traded and he hasn’t been traded. Somebody just asked me if he’s going to be traded on Monday? No, he won’t. Not Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or any other day for that matter … He loves Tampa Bay and that’s why he made the commitment he did (signing an 11-year, $85-million contract extension).”
As was reported earlier by Sportsnet’s Louis Jean, a source says the Edmonton Oilers have made a strong pitch for Lecavalier, but the Lightning have assured their star centre he will be informed if they choose to pursue any trade talks and this has not happened.
