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Signing highlights logjam at center

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 8, 2001

TAMPA -- When Vinny Lecavalier signed his four-year, $10.2-million contract, it gave the Lightning seven centers. It is not a stretch to think a trade would ease the overlap.

General manager Rick Dudley said nothing is imminent but added, "We have a lot of players who can play the same way and the same position. We'll have to take a look at that."

The other centers are Brad Richards, Vinny Prospal, Tim Taylor, Brian Holzinger, Juha Ylonen and Glen Metropolit, though Ylonen and Metropolit are playing wing.

Holzinger played the least on opening night against the Islanders, 7:57. He and Metropolit were scratched Sunday against the Panthers at the Ice Palace.

It will be interesting to see the player deployment in Lecavalier's first game Thursday against the Sharks in San Jose, as that could give an indication of the odd man, or men, out.

Dudley said not to read too much into shifting lines at this point.

"We're still trying to figure out exactly where we are," he said.

VINNY UNDERSTANDS: Coach John Tortorella said taking away Lecavalier's captaincy and making him part of a trio of alternates with Fredrik Modin and Taylor was not "because he wasn't in camp."

"We feel we're doing the best for him and the team," Tortorella said. "We're not trying to take his leadership away, but join it together with these guys and have him learn. ... He may not be too excited about me right now, but I hope he understands."

Lecavalier said he holds no grudge.

"I wasn't happy, for sure, but I understand what he's saying," he said. "I understand his point of view."

SAFE KEEPING: Part of the decision to keep Lecavalier out was because Florida is a physical team and Lecavalier's game vision might not be sharp.

"What if he gets hurt?" Tortorella said. "What if (Florida's Paul) Laus runs over him because he's just not quick enough right now to see the game? ... I don't want him knocked out for three weeks."

AGE DIFFERENCES: Hall of Famer Denis Potvin said he was 27 when named Islanders captain. Lecavalier was 19 when he was named in March 2000.

"I don't think anybody should be named captain until they have seven or eight years in the league," said Potvin, a Panthers TV analyst. "You're not born with experience, you have to learn that."

NO CHANGE: Left wing Dave Andreychuk, who gave his A to Lecavalier, confirmed the scenario was discussed when he signed in July, well before Lecavalier's holdout.

He said the situation will have no affect on his role in the locker room, where he is a significant presence.

"A letter on your jersey doesn't signify a leader on the team," he said. "We all have to be leaders in our own way."

Andreychuk said the Sabres, with whom he played last season, benefited from not naming a captain during Michael Peca's yearlong holdout.

"Now, you're not stepping on anybody's toes," Andreychuk said. "We could all lead for the same cause. Guys stepped up who wouldn't normally step up because they didn't feel like they were stepping on anybody's toes."

NEW ENTRIES: Right wing Nikita Alexeev and left wing Ryan Tobler played their first NHL games. Alexeev, 19, who played juniors last season, held two fingers about an inch apart when asked if he was nervous.

Tobler, 25, has played five minor-league seasons.

"I've been waiting for this a long time," he said. "I didn't get much sleep last night. It's like an adrenaline rush."

ODDS AND ENDS: Florida's Robert Svehla tied his team record, playing in his 220th consecutive game. ... Defenseman Nolan Pratt said his broken right foot is feeling better than expected.

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