Source: Bettman tells Bolts to hang on to Lecavalier
By BRUCE GARRIOCH
MONTREAL -- Will Vincent Lecavalier stay or will he go?
League sources say NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told Tampa owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie during a meeting earlier this week that if they want to sell the team, they should hold on to their superstar.
"From what I'm told, Bettman said: 'You better not trade this guy or nobody is going to buy that franchise', " a league source said yesterday.
There has been plenty of speculation that Bolts GM Brian Lawton is going to move Lecavalier to the Canadiens or Kings during the draft.
Sources say Lecavalier hasn't been approached about any deal and the Bolts have promised they will seek his blessing before making a trade.
Koules would like to clear Lecavalier's salary from the payroll, but Barrie has the right to veto any trade.
www.winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/2009/06/26/9940756-sun.htmlAhem, we'll take 'em, with or without Vinny.
Hopefully they trade him. It will help drive the value of the franchise down.