Oft-scratched Lecavalier not demanding to be traded despite itching to play

Things aren't going to plan for Vincent Lecavalier.

The veteran forward, who signed a five-year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers prior to the start of last season, is set to sit out his fourth straight game Thursday in Toronto after missing seven games as a healthy scratch back in December.

Frustrated as he may be with the situation, he's maintaining a fairly level-headed approach to coach Craig Berube's decision to keep him benched.

"The only thing you can do is work, not start crying about it," Lecavalier told Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post. "It's about going out there, practice hard and whenever I get my opportunity, just like last time, whenever I get my chance I'll do my best trying to help the team."

Lecavalier admits he hasn't asked for a trade.

"I haven't had any conversations," Lecavalier said. "I'm sure if there's something they'll probably come up and talk to me. Obviously you never know what could happen, but I haven't talked to anyone about it and they haven't talked to me."

While both he and the Flyers would likely welcome a deal, his $4.5-million cap hit through 2017-18 may be prohibitive on the trade market.

Lecavalier has scored seven goals and added nine assists in 44 appearances.