Bettman nixed Lecavalier to Montreal deal in June

And the way will be paved to do just that when Vinik takes control of the team.

Sources say there was a deal in place last June to trade Lecavalier to the Montreal Canadiens for goalie Carey Price, center Tomas Plekanec and a prospect, but the deal was blocked by Bettman after Barrie refused to approve the deal. That caused a rift between Barrie and Koules that continued to fester and, combined with the financial problems both owners were having, put the Lightning in a state of flux.

The Los Angeles Kings have emerged as the front-runner to get Lecavalier, but it’s believed they are unwilling to part with the package of players and prospects the Lightning is demanding. Sources say the Lightning has asked the Kings for defenseman Jack Johnson, right winger Wayne Simmonds, a prospect and draft picks. The Kings are one of the few teams who have both the cap room and the assets to get a deal of that magnitude done.

Full story here