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Today I will look at the seven most likely destinations for Roberto Luongo. A lot of fans out there seem to think that Luongo is virtually untradeable because of his long-term contract. But I don’t see that being the case. Roberto is still, in many people’s opinion, a top 15 goalie in the league. Roberto is still perfectly capable of posting a 2.40 GAA and a save percentage of over 91 percent. In other words, the guy can still play better than almost any goaltender in the world.
I also believe there will be a bidding war for him because NHL teams are growing less and less patient with General Managers. GMs used to get five years to build a winner, now it is more like half the time. Why on earth would a GM who needs to make the playoffs this season or they are gone (Burke, Tambellini, and Howson I’m looking your way) not want to bring in a Goalie who will give them the best chance to get there. The chances are, if one of the below teams doesn’t make a move for Lu, Lu’s contract will be longer then theirs.
Owners want to win now, they don’t care what kind of a burden Luongo’s contract will be in a few season. The fact is adding Luongo to many teams makes them better right now and that is all ownership wants to hear. Bring Lu in, become better for a few years, and deal with the problem down the road. If you start worrying about what you will do in three years, chances are you won’t have a job in three years.
7- Edmonton-5%
The Oilers have Dubnyk and I really believe they want to give him a chance next year to run with the starter role for 60 games. 60 games with Dubnyk? I’m not sure that gets them in the playoffs and you have to wonder how patient fans and ownership will be if the Oilers are golfing again by mid-April. Still I’m not sure either party wants to give up key assets to a team that they play all the time. I can’t see this getting done even though Tambellini played a role in getting Lu to Vancouver and getting him signed.
I’m thinking the best the Oilers offer is Magnus Paajarvi Svensson and a mid-round pick.
6- Toronto- 5%
I’m not sure Burke thinks goaltending is the issue in Toronto so I don’t really see him going hard after Lu. If Burke wanted a goalie I think he would have got one at the deadline and he didn’t, so that makes me think that he is OK with the guys he has. I think he’ll kick tires and if the deal is right he’ll do it, but in the end, Lu isn’t going to Toronto. Burke wants Nash and I think he will put all his resources into landing him.
I’m thinking the only thing Burke offers is Carter Ashton and a 2nd round pick unless Vancouver takes salary back. If Vancouver takes salary back, then what is the point of moving Lu?
5- New Jersey- 5%
I personally believe that Marty will be back next season, but like most aging veterans he will need until the middle of summer to decide. Even if Marty was to come back for another year, I can see Lu and Marty working in Jersey. Marty has never really be about the money and him and Lu have a very good friendship off the ice, so I could see Marty taking a one year deal at 2.5 mil ish and platooning with Lu. This combo worked well at the Olympics and I could see it working in Jersey. Where I don’t see the deal getting done is with what the Devils will give up. Lamerillo doesn’t really make trades where he gives up much. I think there is going to be GMs that are more desperate and willing to offer more so I can’t see Lu in Jersey.
I’m thinking all they offer is Josefson OR Tedenby and a mid- round pick
4- Chicago- 8%
Now everyone in Chicago thinks they need a goalie, but I really see cooler heads prevailing in this one. Crawford and Emery are both signed for next season and I think they will give them another go. The Bowman’s still run the Hawks and have never been big believers in spending a lot on a goaltender so I can’t see them bringing in a 5.3 million dollar goalie. Still the wild card is Rocky who may want Lu at all costs and order them to get him. Straight up for Seabrook likely gets it done quick, but I can’t see them offering their biggest rival him.
I’m thinking all they offer is Clendening and a 1st, but I’d love to see Gillis pry Shaw out of there.
3- Florida- 15%
Lu would love this move. The Panthers are good and he would be back close to family. It’s hard to say how much interest the Panthers would have. They have Markstrom waiting in the wings, but since he has never played more then 40 pro games in a season, I’m thinking it would be best for him to play 60 in the AHL next year and see how it goes. Lu then would make a very intriguing three-year option for the Panthers. He could start next year with Theodore backing up while Markstrom plays 60 in the AHL. Then the Panthers could let Markstrom back up Lu and get mentored by Lu in a similar fashion that Schneider did. In the end as much as Lu is a good fit in Florida, I can’t see them giving up an “A” type package for three years and a big buyout.
I’m thinking all they offer is Bjugstad OR Howden and a mid-round pick.
2- Tampa Bay- 22%
Stevie Y needs a goalie, and Stevie Y knows Lu can win. I see this Lightning being the best place for Lu to end up. All they really need is a good goalie and they will be set. They already play a bit of a trap like system so Lu’s numbers will be good and they will win a lot of games. The one snag I see is that the Lightning will want to off load salary and I’m not sure they will sweeten the pot enough to make it worth the Canucks while. Moving Lu is designed to move salary and get back assets, if Vancouver takes back just as much salary and they are players that don’t really help them what’s the point?
I’m thinking Yzerman goes hard but just comes up short with an offer of Ryan Malone and the Wings 1st rd pick.
1- Columbus- 40%
This may shock a lot of people, but I feel Lu will end up in Columbus for a couple of reasons. One, Scott Howson’s job is on the line. If the Blue Jackets aren’t in contention by the trade deadline he will be gone. This is his last shot at keeping his job and when you’re put in that position you do desperate things like offering up the farm to get a goalie and trade your franchise player. Second, Ian Clark is there and Luongo knows him, and he knows Lu. Clark will work hard to get Lu in Columbus.
I see two big splashes made around the draft by the Blue jackets. First, Nash + (there will be something else) to Toronto for Grabovski, Schenn and the number five pick. I really believe that Grabovski will get moved because if that wasn’t the plan why would Burke not give him some kind of NTC in his deal? I then see Schenn being flipped to Vancouver with the Kings pick for Luongo and Ballard. I think this option will be the best for Vancouver because Schenn helps the D and the first should land a pretty good player, all while moving Lu and Ballard’s contracts out.
So those are all the options I see. Where do you see Lu playing next year?
And that’s the way the cookie crumbles
Ian
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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