If Vincent Lecavalier is so untradeable, why then did the Philadelphia Flyers come so close to moving him not once, not twice, but three times last summer?
The Flyers, according to a report from Randy Miller of NJ.com, had deals in place at separate points with both the Florida Panthers and twice with the Nashville Predators, but each time the potential trade was nixed at the last moment by ownership.
Per Miller, the proposed deal between the Panthers and Flyers would have been massive.
"Lecavalier nearly was dealt to the Panthers just before the start of the 2014 NHL Draft in a June blockbuster that would have given the Flyers the top overall pick and sent forward Brayden Schenn and first-round draft picks in 2014 and 2015 to Florida," Miller wrote.
Sources tell Miller that the only reason the deal wasn't complete was that Panthers majority owner Vincent Viola called it off.
"The next month, the Flyers and Predators discussed a trade involving Lecavalier before and after the Predators found out last July 7 that veteran center Mike Fisher would be lost for seven months due to a ruptured Achilles," he wrote. "The deal appeared to have been very close to being finalized before it broke down."
Again, ownership called the deal off.
"I think there are enough people in hockey circles that know that the deal was awfully close with Nashville," said Kent Hughes, Lecavalier's agent, according to Miller. "I can't comment on specifics. Unfortunately, it didn't materialize for reasons other than personnel."
Still, Miller believes a team could potentially make a move for Lecavalier this coming summer, despite his $4.5 million cap for each of the next three seasons and his limited production this year, because Hughes' comments suggest Lecavalier may retire in a season or two if given another opportunity at a Stanley Cup run.
"The situation hasn't met either side's expectations in Philadelphia," Hughes said. "If Vinny wants the opportunity to end a fantastic career on a good note, it's not going to happen so long as Craig Berube is head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. I'm sure if Vinny found a good environment ... an opportunity to go to a new team and end on a good note, I wouldn't be surprised if he retired before finishing the term of his deal."
Lecavalier, widely viewed as one of the league's classiest players, knows he's in a tough situation, but said he plans to simply put his head down and continue to work. With three years remaining on his deal, it may be in both his and the team's best interest to part ways as soon as possible.
