Vincent Lecavalier’s name was at the center of a dozen or more trade rumors this summer, but a deal never came to fruition. How should Lecavlier prepare for the upcoming season with all of those trade talks fresh in his mind? Philadelphia Flyers coach Craig Berube has some very simple advice.
Via NJ.com:
“Get over it. He just needs to change his game a little bit. We talked about that after the season and he’s willing to do that. And I’m willing to bend a little bit here, too, so I’ve have to do a little bit better job managing him and he’s got to buy into the team.
First of all, he needs to come to camp in great shape. Not in good shape. Great shape just like everybody else. That’s a start if he does. We’ll see at camp.”
Simple and blunt advice from the coach.
Lecavalier struggled last season and even spent some time on the team’s fourth line. Though he was able to tally 20 goals, Lecavalier’s year as a whole and overall style of play as a whole underwhelmed. It’s clear that the team at least considered trading him away this summer and that they’re expecting more from the forward should he remain within their ranks throughout 2014-15.
Berube’s advice might be a bit stern and probably shouldn’t have been said to the media, but he’s not wrong. Lecavalier needs to step his game up and arrive at camp ready to go. The Flyers won’t tolerate and can’t afford another poor year from him.
Keep an eye on this situation. Should things remain tense in camp and beyond, don’t rule out a trade. Lecavalier’s reaction to Berube’s comments, whatever that might be, could determine his future in Philadelphia.
