Vincent Lecavalier

By Allyson Turner

With the first pick in the 1998 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning chose 6-foot-4, 180-pound center Vincent Lecavalier. At 18 years of age, Lecavalier is the league's second-youngest player. (New York Rangers center Manny Malhotra is younger.) Don Murdoch, Tampa Bay's head scout, said Lecavalier is 'an all-around perfect player. He has the size, strength. His hockey sense and skills are outstanding.'

Drafted fourth overall by Rimouski in the 1996 junior draft, Lecavalier became the first player from the QMJHL to go No. 1 in the NHL Draft since Alexandre Daigle in 1993. Other players who accomplished the feat are Pierre Turgeon (1987), Mario Lemieux (1984) and Dale Hawerchuck (1981.) Lecavalier was named QMJHL and Canadian Hockey Rookie of the Year in 1997, when he had 103 points in 64 games for Rimouski. He played for Canada at the 1998 World Junior Championships, and participated in the CHL's Top Prospects Game. Through 58 games this season, Lecavalier had 11 goals and 7 assists.

 

Vincent Lecavalier was named male athlete of the year in Quebec in 1997. (Allsport)

Describe what it's like to be 18 years old and playing in the NHL?
It's different. The way I look at it, every other 18 year old and all my friends back home are going to school. It is a good life and I love playing the game. Lots of people dream of being in the NHL and here I am right now doing it.

What was it like to face off against Wayne Gretzky?
It was pretty intimidating. Facing off against him, you don't know what to do. Guys like Eric Lindros ... the first time was real tough.

How have the veterans on other teams treated you?
After the game, Gretzky gave me his stick. I really appreciated that. He signed it 'Good luck in your career.' He's a great guy for doing that.

How did it feel scoring twice on New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur?
We lost the game, so it was pretty tough. It wasn't the best game of my life but we went in and I got lucky.

Is it hard to stay motivated playing on a team that has had little success?
Actually, it is pretty hard. The guys are very positive. We just tell ourselves to keep our heads up and try to win as many games as we can.

Whom do you most admire in the game?
I always liked Steve Yzerman. He's a great hockey player and a great guy off the ice.

So far, which arena did you most enjoy playing in?
I really liked Chicago. The rink was really nice.

Which was the worst arena?
Pittsburgh was the worst. It was real old and they had small dressing rooms. Maple Leaf Gardens was old but there was so much tradition. Pittsburgh just wasn't the best rink.

It must have been amazing to play in Maple Leaf Gardens this year?
It was great. Just to be in there with all of the tradition that went through that rink. Also when I played in Montreal that was a great experience. Just to play in Canada -- it's a different atmosphere.

Being from Montreal, did you dream of playing for the Canadiens?
When I was young, it was always my dream to play for them. But my dream was also just to be in the NHL. It didn't matter what team, I just wanted to make it.

How old were you when you first put on skates?
I was 2 1/2.

Have any of your teammates taken you under their wing?
Wendel Clark, Sandy McCarthy, Stephane Richer. Those guys help me a lot.

What type of rookie treatment did you receive from them?
They went pretty easy on me. They are all good guys.

When you go out with the guys on the road, do you get carded?
Not really. Well ... sometimes.

What was the first thing you purchased after you signed?
I bought a car. Actually, I didn't buy it, I leased it. I didn't do anything crazy. I also leased a condo.

What kind of car?
A black BMW.

Who had the most influence on your game?
My dad. He played major junior (hockey) in Canada.

Before a game, you always do what?
I always listen to the same CD when I get to the rink. The song changes though. If I had a bad game, I change the song. It's techno.

If you could have anyone over your house for dinner, whom would you invite?
Cameron Diaz.

What is one word or phrase that best describes you?
I'm a real positive guy.

What is your pet peeve?
When someone wakes me up and pulls my toe. My dad used to do that.

What is a perfect day?
Scoring the overtime goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup. A nice party after with the team, family and friends.

Lecavalier's Next Generation Profile