The latest on Vincent Lecavalier, Alexander Semin, Martin Biron, Chris Chelios and Michael Nylander.

ESPN.COM: Pierre LeBrun believes if the Tampa Bay Lightning aren't playing by Christmas there's a chance the Vincent Lecavalier trade talks could start up again. Despite Lecavalier's hefty salary LeBrun still feels there's a market for him, suggesting the LA Kings, NY Rangers and Montreal Canadiens as possible suitors. He also noted Lecavalier would determine where he'd go given his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: I disagree with LeBrun's opinion that Lecavalier's salary doesn't make him untradeable. It's not just the cap hit per season (over $7 million per) but the length of the deal that'll scare most teams off. It's one thing for a $7 million per season player like Scott Gomez to be traded because his contract (including this season) had five more years to go. Lecavalier's runs for over twice that (11 years) which is a helluva long time to commit so much for so long, especially for a player who's been struggling this season, which might be the result of his shoulder and wrist surgeries in recent years.

EXAMINER.COM: Dmitry Chesnokov reports Washington Capitals forward Alexander Semin, a restricted free agent next summer who could also be eligible for UFA status in 2011, said contract talks with the club haven't begun yet.  Agent Mark Gandler, who represents Semin, said negotiations were at a very preliminary level but said it's clear the Caps want Semin in their lineup. When asked about the possibility of his client signing a "hometown discount" contract Gandler said he didn't believe in discounts.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Don't be surprised if Gandler seeks between $6-$7 million per season for Semin. If they want to keep him it's gonna cost them.

BUFFALO NEWS: Jerry Sullivan reports former Sabre and current NY Islanders goalie Martin Biron would love to return to the Sabres sooner or later, leaving Sullivan to suggest it could be sooner once Rick DiPietro returns to the Islanders lineup. The Sabres need a more reliable backup goalie and Sullivan believes Biron could be an affordable option.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: It'll depend on what they could offer up for Biron as there could be other teams more interested in Biron willing to part with a better return.

USA TODAY: Kevin Allen reported yesterday via Twitter an NHL team is mulling the possibility of signing former NHL defenseman Chris Chelios although nothing's imminent.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: There's some chatter it could be the Montreal Canadiens but with Ryan O'Byrne and Hal Gill set to return by month's end I have my doubts if Chelios is an option for the Habs.

WASHINGTON POST: Tarik El-Bashir reports the Capitals were unable to work out a trade or a loan to a KHL team of Michael Nylander and have recalled him from his two-week AHL conditioning stint.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: The Caps are stuck with Nylander now unless he decides to retire. Perhaps the earliest they can move him to an NHL team would be the March trade deadline.