If Vincent Lecavalier is not traded to the Montreal Canadiens by this season’s March 4th trading deadline, he will NEVER, repeat N-E-V-E-R wear the bleu, blanc, et rouge. Untold by the fancifully naive Montreal sports media, there are 17 million reasons why.
Lecavalier’s Tampa home is located in the US state of Florida (long a winter haven for Quebec’s snowbird population). The Florida Constitution prohibits a personal income tax, a benefit that numerous professional athletes have enjoyed for decades. Lecavalier’s no-trade clause takes effect on July 1, 2009 when his new 11 year, $85 million (USD) contract extensions begins. After that date, the slick skating center would have absolute veto power over any movement.
So? Lecavalier can still approve a trade to Les Canadiens. Yes, he could. But over the life of the contract, he would willingly forfeit $17 million (USD) to the Quebec Provincial income tax if he did so. It doesn’t take a McGill medical student to realize that those numbers just don’t add up.
So unless Tampa management enacts their right to deal their All Star against his will before March 4th, it appears the only red sweater Vincent will ever wear is of the Team Canada variety.
Mr. Gainey, time is ‘a tickin’!
