Vincent Lecavalier

In town for NASCAR – the prayers of millions can't get him here, but he comes for a stock car race? – Vincent Lecavalier heaps praise on new teammate Alex Tanguay.

In April, after the Boston debacle, Tanguay talked about his desire to return to the Canadiens and his willingness to sacrifice money for term.

So the guy who was worth a first- and second-round draft choice in 2008 and made $5.25 million to score 16 goals in 50 games reportedly signs a one-year deal that will pay him $2.5 million in TB (if he passes a physical).

Question of the Day: Will Alex Tanguay bounce back?

• Speaking of bounces, Paul Kelly has been fired as exec director of the NHLPA after less than two years on the job. Batter up! Bring back Alan Eagleson. Or Red Fisher. Ken Campbell of The Hockey News doesn't like the move.

• Mathieu Schneider is happy to be in Vancouver. He's probably happy to be anywhere. Francis Bouillon and Mathieu Dandenault? Not so happy.

• Eric Engels' Canadiens predictions

• Canadiens web site has a feature on Jaro Halak. And a q&a with Red-Light Racicot.

• Scott Burnside of ESPN likes the Blackhawks this season.

Saku Koivu – Our Captain. The 34-year old Finn is a stalwart of leadership, determination and perseverance. He’s battled through adversity both on and off the ice. He deals well with fans and with the media. He’s made Montreal his home. Unfortunately, he is also a reminder of our failures and our short-comings. We’re an under-sized team and during his tenure, we haven’t made a convincing run in the playoffs.

Saku’s best numbers were in 2006-07 when he notched 22 goals and 53 assists for 75 points. He also had a +/- of -21.
Critics point out that he’s not getting any younger and he’s never been the big number one center that we need. In Koivu’s defense, he’s never claimed to be.

If Gainey doesn’t ink Koivu – and we don’t trade for Lecavalier – then who do we sign to replace him? We could go after Henrik Sedin, but he’s a package deal with Daniel. The purported salary demands of the twins don’t appear exorbitant, but 12-year deals? That’s a long time.

OK, so he won't be wearing skates. But Vincent Lecavalier's fans in the Montreal area, and there are many, should know that Vinny is going to be doing a 90-minute autograph signing Monday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at des Sources Dodge Chrysler Jeep, 3400 Sources Blvd. in suburban Dollard des Ormeaux.

A barbecue to held at the dealership during Vinny's signing will benefit Sun Youth, the terrific organization that aids Montrealers in need.

Circus performer? Magician? Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier was both today, the star attraction at media day at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

And here's audio of Lecavalier's bilingual news conference.

Full transcript of Vinny's comments (in English) below:

Don't think for a moment that Canadiens GM Bob Gainey hasn't heard the voices baying for the Habs to trade for Tampa Bay centreman Vincent Lecavalier. But don't expect Gainey to be anyone that he's not – he isn't going to tip his hand as the rumours swirl briskly around him. And the team always comes first.

Nice deal: 11 years, $85 million, front-loaded.

Maybe Vincent Lecavalier can sign with the Canadiens when he's 40.

• Marc-Antoine Godin has a story on the eternally hopeful Mathieu "I'm the Other Matt Carle" Carle.

• Yvan Pedneault on Bob Gainey's summer and the ongoing pursuit of a Number One centre.

TSN reports the Tampa Bay Lightning are about to lock up Vincent Lecavalier for the rest of his NHL career.

Nine years. $77 million, front-loaded, and a no-movement clause.

RDS reports that Vincent Lecavalier is on the verge of signing a long-term contract that will keep him in Tampa Bay.

Lecavalier, 28, is entering the final season of a three-year deal that pays him $7.167 million per. He is eligible to become a UFA on July 1, 2009.

Notwithstanding thehopes and dreams of Canadiens fans who envisioned an Île Bizard native coming home next summer, Lecavalier is in a great situation in Tampa (the more so now that John Tortorella is history), and he is heavily involved in the community, having made huge donations to local charities.

•  •  •

Los Angeles Kings are said to be shopping the number two pick in the draft. Rumours had them offering a package of the pick plus Mike Cammalleri to Tampa Bay for the Steven Stamkos pick.

There's also speculation – denied by Ottawa gm Bryan Murray – that the Kings tried to trade the pick to Ottawa for Jason Spezza.