Former Lightning star Brad Richards knows a little what his close friend Vinny Lecavalier has gone through the past few days with all the trade rumors swirling.

After all, Richards - a cornerstone during the Lightning 2004 Stanley Cup run - was traded to the Stars last season after spending his entire career with Tampa Bay. But Richards, who will be in town to play Tampa Bay for the first time Monday, said Friday afternoon that the rumors are "unfortunate" and "something (Vinny) shouldn't have to deal with."

"It’s crazy," Richards said on a conference call. "I think I went through it for a week last year where you have to deal with media every day. It’s unfortunate. I think for what he’s done for the organization and everything it's just pretty crazy he had to go through a few days of that. He’ll be fine, he’s a professional and a great player and all of that will go away.

"It’s something he shouldn’t have to deal with. He’s done so much for the organization. To deal with all the media and B.S., and I can’t imagine – I'm not from Montreal. With all that media there, it’s tough."

Richards said he's spoken with Lecavalier, and although he wouldn't discuss the specifics of their conversations, he was clear on one thing:

"I’ve never heard him once in his life say he wants to leave Tampa and give up on the team," Richards said. "The people who know him know what’s going on.”

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com