Montreal Canadiens fans have long whispered about a moment that could have changed the course of hockey history. Picture it: the team’s centennial year, the city ablaze with anticipation, and rumors swirling about a superstar acquisition that would send shockwaves through the NHL. The stakes were sky-high, the names involved were legendary, and the drama behind closed doors was as intense as any playoff game.
But what really happened in 2009, when the Canadiens came closer than ever to landing one of Quebec’s brightest stars? Why does this story still haunt the dreams of fans and insiders alike?
Recent revelations from a respected journalist have reignited the debate, shedding new light on the mysterious forces that shaped the fate of an entire franchise. There were secret phone calls, last-minute reversals, and a powerful figure who stepped in just as the deal was about to go down.
For years, the full truth has remained hidden—until now. What stopped the Canadiens from pulling off the blockbuster trade of the decade? Who had the final say, and why? If you think you know the story, think again. The answers might surprise you, and the twists are more incredible than you ever imagined.
Photo credit: IMAGN
Renaud Lavoie revisited a trade that never happened but is still being talked about by Montreal Canadiens fans even after all these years.
During one of his segments on BPM Sports’ show Le Club du Matin, the journalist revealed that it was none other than NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman who opposed the trade that would have sent Vincent Lecavalier to the Canadiens in 2009.
You read that right.
A Major Revelation from Renaud Lavoie About Vincent Lecavalier and the Montreal Canadiens
It’s incredible..
“Gary Bettman himself said no – Vincent Lecavalier will not be traded to the Montreal Canadiens, he’s too important for the Lightning.”
– Renaud Lavoie
To refresh your memory, the Canadiens were celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2009 and were searching for a superstar from Quebec. Lecavalier was the main target of then-general manager Bob Gainey.
According to Lavoie, there were even two separate trades completed at the time between the Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Brian Lawton making up the rumour years after the fact that he almost got Price, Subban and Pacioretty for Lecavalier. https://t.co/2pjtff0ljt
— A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit) April 7, 2021
The first occurred in January 2009, and the deal was reportedly so close that Lecavalier even called Lavoie himself to tell him he had been traded.
However, the Lightning’s co-owners at the time, Len Barrie and Oren Koules, weren’t on the same page, which was enough to cancel the trade.
But the one that became public knowledge was the deal finalized during the draft held in Montreal.
The Canadiens had reportedly offered Max Pacioretty, Carey Price, P.K. Subban, and a first-round pick to acquire the Quebec-born star, who was considered one of the NHL’s best players at the time.
Everything seemed set – until Gary Bettman stepped in.
He didn’t want to harm the Lightning organization, which wasn’t as stable as it is today, and felt that seeing a player of Lecavalier’s caliber leave Tampa Bay would have been bad for the team’s image.
It seems Bettman’s favoritism toward American markets – especially those in Florida – is nothing new.
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