Lecavalier-to-Oilers rumor squashed

Jan 25, 2009 - 10:32 PM EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) -- The rumors had Edmonton Oilers fans gushing. But Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Brian Lawton quickly turned off the faucet.

Lawton put an end to the dream on Sunday, when he told the Sun Media he had no plans to trade Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier to the Oilers - or anyone else, for that matter.

"It's just a pipe dream that people think we're going to trade him," Lawton said.

According to a report by the Sun, a deal that would send Lecavalier to Edmonton for three players, two prospects and three draft picks - including two first-rounders - was to be completed on Monday.

However, the 28-year-old Lecavalier said during All-Star Weekend that he was assured by Tampa Bay management the team was not planning on trading him. He also stated that should a deal materialize, the Lightning would discuss the possibility with him first.

Lawton attempted to put an end to the trade rumors on Sunday.

"We're excited about the way our team is playing and I don't think it's fair to continue to talk about these things," he said. "I've said he's not going to be traded, and he hasn't been traded. Somebody just asked me if he's going to be traded on Monday. No, he won't.

"Not Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or any other day for that matter. ... He loves Tampa Bay, and that's why he made the commitment he did (by signing an 11-year, $85-million contract extension)."

After finishing last in the NHL in 2007-08, the Lightning got off to a disastrous start this season, winning just seven of their first 32 games. But they entered the All-Star break on a bit of a roll, winning two straight and five of seven to climb into 12th place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points (16-21-10).