MONTREAL

Lecavalier signs 5-year deal with Philadelphia Flyers

The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, July 2, 2013 7:48PM EDT

In this Feb. 2, 2013 file photo, Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier moves down the ice against the New York Rangers in an NHL hockey game in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

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PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Flyers have won the Vincent Lecavalier sweepstakes.

The free-agent centre agreed to a five-year deal worth a reported US$22.5 million, choosing Philadelphia over the Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings and others he met with over the weekend.

Lecavalier will count $4.5 million against the salary cap, according to multiple reports.

The 33-year-old was bought out by the Tampa Bay Lightning last week with seven years and $45 million remaining on his contract. He was considered the top unrestricted free agent available.

He had 10 goals and 22 assists in 39 games for the Lightning this past season. In 1,037 career NHL games, Lecavalier has 383 goals and 491 assists.