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Canucks "Lack"ing Reason To Move Luongo?; Kadri's Summer Boot Camp

August 27, 2012, 11:51 PM ET [528 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The signing of goaltender Eddie Lack by Vancouver on the surface may appear to be fairly innocuous, but it could signal the reality that the Canucks will not move veteran Roberto Luongo before the beginning of the regular season, whenever that is.

The 24-year-old Swede, who has played two seasons in the American Hockey League, inked a two year, $1.5 Million contract yesterday which gives the Canucks a bit of flexibility regarding their uncomfortable goaltending situation. The first year of the deal is two-way, with Lack making $650,000 at the NHL level and $85,000 in the minors, with the second year being a one-way deal for $850,000.

Lack is considered by many a goaltender who is ready to play in the NHL, after posting a 2.28 GAA and .925 save percentage in 99 games with Manitoba and Chicago, but he has not been able to get an opportunity with Luongo and Corey Schnieder ahead of him on the depth chart.

Because the first year of his deal is two-way, Lack can be stored away inexpensively in the AHL for another year while Vancouver GM Mike Gillis tries to bluff his way into getting a significant return for the veteran Luongo, whose suitors are limited based on his onerous contract with 10 years remaining on a 12 year, $64 Million deal.

In spite of the lull in rumors regarding interest from the Maple Leafs, it is generally accepted that Toronto remains interested and may take another run at acquiring the 34-year-old All-Star, as they have yet to address GM Brian Burke's stated goal of acquiring a veteran goaltender.

Luongo will likely not be a happy camper taking a back seat to Schneider, who took over as the number one after consecutive home losses to Los Angeles in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but unless he opens up the possibility of going someplace other than Florida or possibly Toronto, being the backup in Vancouver for another season is a reality.

The Canucks would like to move Luongo because it would open up $5.3 Million in cap room and remove the media distraction that will surely come with him still being present on the roster, but appear intent on not simply clearing his salary but in also getting significant pieces back for him.

How will this situation unfold and do you believe that Luongo is still on Toronto’s radar?

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In an interview with reporter Kyle Cicerella(http://kylethereporter.com/2012/08/27/no-vacation-time-for-nazem-kadri/#more-2659), former Leafs first rounder Nazem Kadri detailed the grueling task of working with former Leaf Gary Roberts to get into the best shape he has ever been.

Kadri indicated that his strength and conditioning regimen involved working six days a week for nine weeks along with augmenting his diet. The results are that he is down to a lean 183 lbs and has increased his lower body strength, while fully rehabilitating the injured shoulder that ended his playoff run with the Toronto Marlies last June.

Do you think that it has been the physical aspects that have been holding Kadri back from becoming an effective NHL player?

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