Tampa Bay Lightning name Vincent Lecavalier captain before training camp

TAMPA, Fla. - Vincent Lecavalier is back as captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He replaces Tim Taylor in the role, which he previously held for parts of two seasons between 1999 and 2001.

"It's a great honour to be captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, I have been here many years and there are a lot of great leaders on this team," said Lecavalier.

"I don't think you need a letter on your sweater to be a leader, but it's definitely a great honour to be captain."

Lecavalier signed an US$85-million, 11-year contract with the Lightning over the summer.

"Vinny has displayed exemplary qualities on and off the ice throughout his career," Lightning vice-president Brian Lawton said in a statement on Thursday. "He is a natural leader in the locker-room and sets a great example for others by the way he competes night in and night out.

"We are extremely proud to have him as captain of the Lightning."

Lecavalier was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NHL draft and is the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 273 goals and 602 points in 710 games.

The 28-year-old had 40 goals and 92 points last season.