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In 2005, Lecavalier launched the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation to help local children's hospitals and charities. In 2007, he donated $3 million to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, which led to the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Center.

His commitment to that work will continue, no matter where his hockey career takes him next.

"I want to be involved in Tampa," he said. "Tampa is like home to me. Most of my life has been in Tampa. That's why it's really hard, but that's why I want to keep my word. I made a pledge, and ... I'm a person of my word."

In that sense, Lecavalier's legacy in the Tampa community transcends his play on the ice.

"I think he sets the bar with his involvement in the community and probably the entire of major sports for what he has done, the legacy he has in the community," Lightning center Steven Stamkos said. "For me, being a young guy when I came in, you hear about that stuff. But until you see the hard work that he puts in, the money that he donates, the involvement that he has in the community, ... he's not just Vinny Lecavalier the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, he's the captain of the whole city."

Now, Lecavalier will move on to another city, another team. But not without leaving a permanent mark in Tampa and the surrounding area.

"He's meant a lot; he was the face of the franchise. Everything that he has done off the ice has been remarkable," longtime teammate and fellow 2004 Stanley Cup champion Marty St. Louis said. "I've known the guy for 15 years. I feel like I've matured with him as a player, grown as a player, the highs and lows that I've gone through with him."

To think of Lecavalier elsewhere?

"It's just weird," St. Louis said.

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 06.28.2013

682758 Tampa Bay Lightning

Q&A: Why did Bolts cut Lecavalier?

Staff Writer

Published: June 28, 2013

Vinny Lecavalier no longer plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Why, exactly, was the all-time franchise leader in games played at 1,037 and goals scored at 383 cut loose after 14 seasons? Well, it's not personal, it's just business.

Q: Why did the Lightning buy out Lecavalier's contract?

Answer: Next season, the salary cap in the NHL drops by $6 million, from $70 million last season to $64.3 million. Lecavalier's contract carried a $7.7 million annual salary cap cost through the end of the 2019-20 season. With cap space at a premium, Tampa Bay's front office, led by general manager Steve Yzerman, decided the Lightning could no longer afford Lecavalier's contract.

Q: Were there other factors?

Answer: The new collective bargaining agreement discourages teams from signing players to lengthy, front-loaded contracts - such as Lecavalier's - as a way of manipulating the salary cap. If Lecavalier retired before the end of his contract in 2020, the team would have incurred additional salary cap penalties.

Q: How does the buyout work?

Answer: Lecavalier had seven years and $45 million remaining on the 11-year, $85 million contract extension that went into effect in 2009. To buy him out, the Lightning must pay him two-thirds of the remaining value over twice the remaining years. Including bonuses, that amounts to $32 million over 14 years.

Q: Why now?

Answer: Buyouts are nothing new, but they always came with salary cap penalties. With an eye toward the shrinking salary cap for the 2013-14 season, the collective bargaining agreement signed in January allowed for amnesty buyouts. Each team can buy out the contracts of up to two players this summer or next without them counting against the salary cap.

Q: How much salary cap space does it free up?

Answer: About $7.7 million a year for the next seven years, or roughly $54 million total. That amount gives Yzerman flexibility moving forward to improve the roster and steer Tampa Bay back toward the playoffs.

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 06.28.2013

682759 Tampa Bay Lightning

It just won't be the same without Vinny

Staff Writer

Published: June 28, 2013

TAMPA - As much hockey sense as it made, business sense, as much as his oversized contract was a rock around his team's neck, the elephant in the rink ... as inevitable it was in the name of Moving On, it was a stunning day in Lightning history.

Vinny Lecavalier is gone.

Over the years, Vinny trade rumors piled up like goals, though not quite, since Vinny scored 407 if you include the playoffs. Today we do. We count everything, on and off the ice. It's quite the legacy. To top it off, you never could help but like the guy.

That's how Vincent Lecavalier became Vinny - the first name would do.

Once, there was a deal to send him to Vancouver for goaltender Roberto Luongo, but it fell through. When compliance buyouts came with the new NHL collective bargaining agreement, Vinny speculation was rampant.

It was still startling when it actually happened - that, 15 years to the day after he was selected first overall by Tampa Bay in the 1998 draft, the Lightning team captain, for years the face of the franchise, was told he didn't have a job here anymore by Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman, Vinny's hockey hero growing up.

One of the weird moments in Tampa sports history will be when Vinny hits the ice in another sweater.

There are millions of reasons why what happened Thursday happened, namely the dollars in Vinny's salary, far too many for his current game, a far cry from when he was going to be the very best. Some nights he was, many nights he wasn't, and we often held that against him.

But he was pretty darn good. Vinny and the Ligthning made a lot of history together.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure there would be much Lightning history without Vinny. I'm not sure this franchise would have lasted here if Vinny hadn't been the young star, marked for greatness. He didn't have to be Michael Jordan, like that cuckoo owner dreamed. Just Vinny. He saved the day.

A lot of hockey fans around here grew up with Vinny, 14 seasons of him, as many seasons as Derrick Brooks spent with the Bucs. Vinny grew up, too, right in front of us, and lifted the Stanley Cup nine Junes ago. Like Brooks and Warren Sapp with the the Bucs, Vinny helped turn the Lightning from a punch line to a world champion.

Then there was his foundation, his charitable work, widespread and meaningful, backed by walk as well as talk, by Vinny dollars.

There are so many Vinny moments. There's him looking like he was 12 years old the day he was drafted. There was Vinny and coach John Tortorella, back and forth, forth and back. There was Vinny's 50th goal in a season, the first Bolt to do that.

There was Vinny during the 2004 Cup run: back home in Montreal, late magic, scoring with a shot between his legs to force overtime. There was Vinny's brawl with Calgary's Jarome Iginla in the Cup finals, then Vinny lifting the Cup the night the Bolts became kings of the hockey world.

Look, no one should feel sorry for Vinny. I checked. He's getting $32.67 million in the buyout, and you're not getting one dime. Vinny will get another job, a good one, with a saner contract. The one that was just bought out wasn't Vinny's fault. Blame it on those goober owners, those cowboys.

And face it: The Lightning wouldn't be doing this if the NHL business model hadn't changed, and for that matter, if Vinny's game was at the same level as the ones belonging to friend and teammate Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. Vinny had become a $4 million player trapped in a $10 million contract.

He was so talented we always wanted him to be more talented, the best. There was always something to pick on when it came to Vinny. Some questioned his drive. Some used to say: If only you could stick Marty's heart in Vinny's body, you'd have the ultimate hockey player. It was unfair.

Vinny was pretty darn good when he was at his best. And his heart, the part of it that mattered most, was beyond question. This good, decent man counted for something in this community. There is a Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Center at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. No matter how famous he became, Vinny remained the Quebec firefighter's son.

After all, Tampa Bay was his home. And it always will be when we see that banner in the Forum rafters. Or when sick children maybe leave that cancer center not quite as sick as they were going in. All the hockey and business sense in the world won't change that. It's like Vinny's name on that Stanley Cup. He's there - and here - for good.

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 06.28.2013

682760 Tampa Bay Lightning

Where will Lecavalier play next season?

Tribune staff

Published: June 28, 2013

Fourteen seasons into his NHL career, Vinny Lecavalier is about to become a free agent for the first time. When the market opens at noon on July 5, he will be free to negotiate and sign with any of 29 NHL teams - any team, that is, but Tampa Bay. According to a stipulation in the NHL's amnesty buyout procedure, a player cannot re-sign or be reacquired via trade for one year by the team that bought out his contract. Lecavalier would like to be the final piece in a team's Stanley Cup puzzle. And several teams likely will have interest. So, which teams would be a good fit for the 33-year-old center?

Here is a look at five that could be in Lecavalier's future:

1. Detroit Red Wings

Believe it or not, Lecavalier grew up watching the Red Wings and idolizing their captain, Steve Yzerman. The Red Wings are perennial playoff contenders, but lost the 2013 Western Conference semifinals in seven games to eventual Stanley Cup champion Chicago. Detroit also could be in the market for a second-line center. The Red Wings likely will part ways with pending free agent Valtteri Filppula, who is seeking roughly $5 million a year in his new contract.

2. Montreal Canadiens

Any time trade rumors cropped up about Lecavalier - and it happened plenty - Montreal was at the forefront. For years, Habs fans have yearned for a homegrown, French-speaking star. Lecavalier was born in Ile Bizard, a suburb of Montreal. He loves his home city. Interestingly, the general manager of the Canadiens is Marc Bergevin, a former teammate of Lecavalier. But the Montreal spotlight shines brightly on high-profile hockey players, something Lecavalier has long avoided in low-key Florida. Would he be up for a homecoming?

3. Los Angeles Kings

The Kings were frequently on the periphery of Lecavalier trade rumors. The franchise won its first Stanley Cup in 2012, but fell short in its efforts to defend, losing to eventual champ Chicago in the Western Conference finals. The Kings already have Mike Richards and Anze Kopitar at center, but Kopitar was demoted to the third line because of his lack of production during the playoffs. Lecavalier could be an interesting addition if the Kings find the salary cap space.

4. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers consider themselves perennial playoff contenders. They also have the necessary salary cap space to sign Lecavalier after buying out the contracts of goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov and forward Danny Briere. Philadelphia would seem to have greater needs - their top six forwards are pretty solid, but they lack a No. 1 goaltender. Still, never count the Flyers out when it comes to making a splashy move.

5. Vancouver Canucks

C'mon. Who wouldn't like to see a reunion of Lecavalier and fiery former Lightning head coach John Tortorella, who just took over the job in Vancouver earlier this week?

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 06.28.2013

682761 Tampa Bay Lightning

Buyout leaves Bolts with void to fill

By Erik Erlendsson | Tribune Staff

Published: June 28, 2013

TAMPA - The Lightning made a bold move on Thursday, cutting loose iconic captain Vinny Lecavalier in a business move that will free up the $7.7 million annual salary cap cost of Lecavalier's contract.

With Lecavalier now an unrestricted free agent able to sign with any team - other than Tampa Bay - it leaves a gaping hole on the Lightning roster that needs to be filled.

The all-time franchise leader in goals with 383 and games played with 1,037, Lecavalier provided the secondary offensive threat behind top center Steven Stamkos, filled a power play role and was a consistent winner in the face-off circle.

Now, with Lecavlier out of the picture, how exactly general manager Steve Yzerman utilizes the available cap space could define how the franchise moves forward in the near future, as well as down the road.

"This was not done just with the idea for next year," Yzerman said. "This is a part of where the Lightning are going long term, what our goals are and how we are going to get there.''

There will be plenty of options for Yzerman to explore.

In the unrestricted free agent market - barring more buyouts around the league - there are veterans such Mike Ribeiro, Daniel Briere and Derek Roy. A younger option might be Tyler Bozak, if Toronto fails to sign him before the July 5 free-agent market opens.

There are also options within the Lightning organization, such as Tyler Johnson, the reigning American Hockey League MVP after leading the league with 37 goals. In his 14 games with the Lightning during the season, the 5-foot-9 Johnson had three goals and six points, was plus-3, proved reliable defensively and was stellar in the face-off circle.

Alex Killorn, who played on the wing after his call-up in February, played center in college and could be shifted to the middle.

And perhaps the longer-term solution is 2011 first-round pick Vladislav Namestnikov, who just finished his first pro season and played a top-six role in the postseason for Syracuse.

Then there is this weekend's NHL Entry Draft, where Tampa Bay holds the No. 3 overall pick. Yzerman could use that pick on a top-rated forward such as Nathan MacKinnon - though Colorado might nab him with the first selection - or Aleksander Barkov.

Yzerman, however, gave no indication on Thursday which route he might go to fill Lecavalier's void.

"I don't have a solution for replacing Vinny Lecavalier today,'' Yzerman said. "There is a $7.7 million-plus cap charge that went with Vinny's contract. Now, moving forward, we have created that space on the cap, so whenever the opportunity or situation arises we have more flexibility.''

More than just fans will be keeping a close on eye on the moves the team makes heading into training camp in September.

"I'm very interested to see,'' center Steven Stamkos said. "This is a big hole. Vinny was a great player for us. He's a top-six forward and a centerman and, obviously, that's something that is a gaping hole right now. You just have to hope management has a plan and we can add some players that are going to help us win. Everyone wants to win as soon as possible, and I'm the same way.''

There also a leadership role that will need to be filled. Lecavalier was the team captain the past five seasons, his second stint wearing the "C" on his sweater.

An argument could be made for Stamkos to assume the role - the 23-year-old has been an alternate captain for two seasons and figures to assume the role down the road. But the likely candidate is Marty St. Louis, who has been with the franchise since 2000-01 and been part of the leadership group for most of his Lightning tenure.

Those decisions, however, won't be made right away.

"That's something we'll address over the course of the summer, and we'll be prepared to announce and make the decision prior to the season at some point,'' Yzerman said.

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 06.28.2013

682762 Tampa Bay Lightning

Reactions to Lecavalier buyout

Pierre LeBrun, NHL writer for ESPN.com

Published: June 28, 2013

"For me, Vinny has been a guy, him and Marty (St. Louis), since Day One, since I first got to the team, I've been able to look up to. Those are the veteran guys that took me under their wings and showed me the ropes, not only with what they have done with me but, Vinny in particular, the legacy he has with this organization. From a hockey standpoint and a community standpoint, it was a tough day for Tampa. It's probably not going to hit us until we get to training camp and Vinny is not there with us. You are used to not seeing each other that much over the summer, but when all the guys get together, that's when it's going to really hit us."

Lightning C Steven Stamkos

"While it's hard to think of Vinny Lecavalier playing for anyone other than the Tampa Bay Lightning, we at All Children's Hospital know that part of his heart will always remain here. Through 15 years, he's established roots in the Tampa Bay area with family and many friends - key among them the kids who are treated at the Vincent Lecavalier Center for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders at All Children's. Vinny and his family are familiar faces on the patient floor. And though his visits may become less frequent going forward with another team, we look forward to seeing Vinny here regardless of what hockey sweater he may be wearing. He will always be a champion for children with cancer - especially those being treated in the All Children's center that bears his name."

Sylvia Ameen, vice president of the All Children's Hospital Foundation

"The locker room, the back of the bus, the back of the plane, everything, the dinners. On the ice, obviously. But we spent a lot more time off the ice than we actually did on the ice. It's going to be hard to picture him on another team. But it's a game. I knew it was a possibility, but when it actually is official, it's weird to think of him on another team."

Lightning F Marty St. Louis

"For me, it's a new challenge. ... It's a tough day, but at the same time, I'm so motivated. I know I'm going to be somewhere else. It's going to be a different challenge, but I'm so motivated to go somewhere else and prove I can play at a high level. I want to win. So, I'm really excited about that."

Vinny Lecavalier

"Lecavalier, 33, adds a tempting option in a UFA center class that otherwise was led by the likes of Derek Roy, Mike Ribeiro and Stephen Weiss. At the right price, Lecavalier would be one heck of an addition as the No. 2 center on a good team. Of course, it didn't take long for Lecavalier's buyout to be announced for people to link him to his native Montreal. Let's be honest: It would be cool to see him in a Canadiens uniform after all these years of trade rumors linking him there."

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 06.28.2013

682763 Tampa Bay Lightning

Defenseman Jones a complete package along the blue line

By Erik Erlendsson | Tribune Staff

Published: June 28, 2013

TAMPA - What seemed improbable a month ago might now be attainable - Seth Jones could fall into the Lightning's lap during Sunday's NHL Entry Draft.

Since Colorado won the draft lottery in April, most believed the Avalanche would use the top overall pick on the 6-foot-4, 205-pound defenseman with a right-handed shot.

Jones started playing hockey in Denver while his dad, former professional basketball player Popeye Jones, played for the NBA's Denver Nuggets.

But within the past week, Avalanche executive Joe Sakic publicly stated the team's intention to draft a forward with the first pick - either Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin or Aleksander Barkov.

Under that scenario, should Florida - which holds the No. 2 pick - elect to take a forward, then Jones would hear his name called by Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman about as quick as he would be able to get to the podium at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

"Jones represents as complete a package as we've seen in any defenseman over the past decade,'' Red Line Report founder Kyle Woodlief said in his scouting report for USA Today. "With his mix of size, puck skills, natural athleticism and poise, Jones can dominate and take over games at both ends of the ice, and has an impact on the game in every aspect.''

Jones was the anchor defenseman - and youngest player - for gold-medal-winning Team USA at this year's World Junior Championship, registering a goal and seven points while posting a plus-8 rating.

A product of the U.S. National Development Team, Jones also helped lead the U.S. to gold medals at the 2011 and 2012 World Under-18 championships.

This past season, he helped lead Portland to a Western Hockey League championship, scoring 14 goals and 56 points and posting an impressive plus-46 rating in 61 games. Portland advanced to the Memorial Cup championship, losing in the final to Halifax and the duo of Drouin and MacKinnon.

While Jones is the top-rated defenseman available, he is listed as the top overall prospect by some scouts, including NHL Central Scouting.

"He has the ability to be a game-changer because he has good instincts and awareness,'' according to B.J. MacDonald, a scout for NHL Central Scouting. "He's an underrated passer, possesses solid one-on-one play and can skate the puck out of danger at any time. He's already the complete package, but I get the feeling he still has another gear to go to.''

Cory Pronman at Hockey Prospectus said Jones has been making high-level plays and defensive reads since he was a 16-year-old.

"His best trait is his clearly elite hockey sense,'' Pronman said. "He is advanced way beyond his years. He makes a multitude of good defensive plays with positioning, stick work and anticipation. He seems to always to be a step ahead of everyone else. This is evident in his offensive ability as well. He knows when to pinch, and he can exhibit high levels of offensive skill, creativity and vision.

"Jones has a cannon from the point, which can make him a very dangerous player on the power play. He is a big man with a ton of weapons.''

The Lightning would never say it publicly, but given their choice of the top prospects, Jones might very well be at the top of their wish list.

"He can skate for days, so he can play lots of minutes,'' Tampa Bay director of scouting Al Murray said. "He can take the puck and lug it out of his zone end-to-end, he can make plays with a quick pass out of his own zone or hit a guy at the far blue line, run a power play as both a shooter and a playmaker. He needs some work in his own end as far as his defensive positioning and his commitment defensively, but he is a very skilled player and will be a really good addition to any team.''

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 06.28.2013

682764 Tampa Bay Lightning

Vinny: Life and times of a Lightning legend

Staff Writer

Published: June 28, 2013

A HISTORY IN QUOTES

"When I got here today, I had butterflies in my stomach. I'm really relieved that everything's over and I got picked No. 1.''

- Vinny Lecavalier after being drafted No.1 overall by the Lightning in 1998

"I don't know what to say - go ask the coach what I did wrong.''

- Lecavalier after being benched by John Tortorella for the final period of a 5-4 loss at Buffalo on Feb.25, 2001

"I will not be the answer to the trivia question: Name the GM who traded Vincent Lecavalier."

- former Lightning GM Jay Feaster in March 2002

"I always say it comes back to that idiot owner (Art Williams) calling him the Michael Jordan of hockey. And then the entourage behind him and he's on magazine covers. It's tough for a kid to understand and handle all this stuff.''

- Tortorella on Lecavalier's struggles in December 2002

"He's fun to watch. It's tremendous to see someone who plays at times like Guy Lafleur or Bobby Orr. People like that are great for the game.''

-Wayne Gretzky after Lecavalier sparked the Lightning to a Game 2 victory against Calgary in the 2004 finals

"Every time I look at it, I can think about how we did it. It's awesome.''