The Las Vegas Thunder’s most popular little man is going up to the bigs.

Friday, Dec. 18, 1998 | 9:27 a.m.

Patrice Lefebvre, the diminutive 5-5 forward who is the most productive as well as the most popular player in the Thunder's six-year history, will realize a longtime goal today when he signs a contract with the NHL's Washington Capitals.

A Capitals spokesman said the club was awaiting confirmation of the deal and expected to announce the signing of the 31-year-old Lefebvre later today.

Lefebvre, the second-leading goal scorer in Las Vegas history with 147, led the International Hockey League in scoring last season with 116 points and was named the league's most valuable player.

Wracked by injuries this season, he has yet to score a goal. He recently returned to the Las Vegas lineup after missing 17 games with a knee injury.

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