NHL Trade Talk: Time to Trade Lecavalier

By Jack Johnson - King of Hockey

I'm not starting any rumors here, but with the arrival of the dominant Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay has a new "Franchise Face". Lecavalier is not performing as he once was and frankly the team has had trouble finding him the right wingers. They failed with Tanguay and Simon Gagne is off to the same start.

In theory, the Lightning are right where they were a couple of years before they won the cup in 2004.

In 2004, the Lightning's core group consisted of Brad Richards, Lecavalier and St-Louis up front, Dan Boyle on the point and Khabibulin in nets. In 2010, the Lightning's make up is quite similar. Their first line is a force to reckon with. Stamkos, Downie and St-Louis all enjoy playing with each other and its translating to on-ice success. Some would argue the back end is even stronger with Kubina and Hedman. Where does the problem lie? In nets of course. Ellis and Smith are just not going to bring you to the finals.

If I was Steve Yzerman (wow that would be awesome!), I would look to trade Lecavalier while his value is still high and try and get a #1 goalie and centre man to replace Vinny.

Possible trading partners: The LA Kings and the Florida Panthers have too many good goalies in their system. Vancouver has Cory Schneider just itching to be a starter. Add Quick, Vokoun or Schneider to Tampa and you just might have a cup winner.

Unfortunately for Habs fans, there are no goalies left in the Montreal system to entice Tampa unless there is a three-way trade. But if Vinny went to Montreal, watch out! Habs fans would push their team to the cup finals.