If Lightning GM Brian Lawton and co-owner Oren Koules had their way, the team would have traded captain Vincent Lecavalier to the Montreal Canadiens over the weekend.
According to several published reports, Tampa Bay co-owner Len Barrie vetoed a trade that would have sent Lecavalier to the Habs.
The Canadiens have been looking for a top-line center and the Montreal Gazette reports they came close to acquiring Lecavalier, but as long as Barrie holds veto power the team will not be dealing away its long-time superstar.
It's not known what type of package the Canadiens were pitching for Lecavalier, but sources suggest it did not include All-Star defenseman Andrei Markov.
Various reports suggest the Bolts wanted Markov as part of a package, but having drafted Victor Hedman second-overall allowed Lawton to weigh his options.
Lecavalier's new 11-year, $85 million contract, which includes a no-trade clause, kicks in tomorrow.
Newspaper:
Montreal Gazette
