Report: Vincent LeCavalier Has Met With Washington Capitals

ESPN’s Pierre Lebrun reports that Vincent LeCavalier has met with the Washington Capitals as well as several other teams.

January 29, 2013; Tampa FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier (4) is congratulated by teammates after he scored a goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period at Tampa Times Forum. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Florida Panthers 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Reports surfaced on Friday that the Tampa Bay Lightning would be buying out the remaining seven years and 30-plus million dollars remaining on the contract of the 33-year old.

With this year’s free agent class lacking much depth, LeCavalier is certainly one of, if not the best forward available on the open market. After making yet another early exit from the playoffs in 2013, the Capitals will be looking to make some improvements, and could prove to be very interested in LeCavalier, especially if they fail to retain center Mike Ribiero.

For his career, LeCavalier has netted 383 goals and 491 assists. While his numbers saw significant decline in 2013, LeCavalier still provides a veteran presence who has had great success as well as won a Stanley Cup. With multiple key Capitals forwards potentially finding new homes this summer, look for Washington to continue being linked to LeCavalier as the offseason progresses.