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Read my conversation with the Calgary Flames Tod Button HERE and find out about all the work that goes into the NHL Draft.

Luongo

Yesterday, the message board was alive with chatter about trading Luongo; no surprise there. But what most people were focusing on was the re-capture part of Luongo's deal if he retires before it expires.

It's been reported that Vancouver will be penalized roughly 1.5-2 million per season that Luongo doesn't play on his current contract.

In my opinion, I don't really worry about this if the deal that is being made is a "hockey trade". As long as Vancouver gets something that will help them sometime in the next few years that is the priced I'd pay to do business.

Vancouver is still a win now team. If dealing Luongo gives them a better chance at hoisting the Cup in the next two years, I say swing for the fences and pull the trigger. Chances are pretty fair that Vancouver will be at some stage of a rebuild mode once that penalty comes into play anyways. And if they're rebuilding then they won't be up against the cap, so why worry about it?

Just for fun, what's your ideal Luongo trade?


Letang

This might be just me, but are the Penguins royally messed in the head to even be thinking about trading Kris Letang?

When you have Norris Trophy type defenceman you hold onto those guys forever. I can't believe that this is even being discussed and that it's gotten to the point where Letang is worried about where he'll be playing.

In my opinion, Kris Letang is the best all around player on that team. He impacts the game at both ends of the rink and that is more than I can say for Crosby or Malkin. You deal whoever you need to deal to keep him.

But if Shero is stupid enough to be taking offers, I'll start the bidding at Edler, Schroeder and a first round pick for Letang.

Draft Stuff

I recently did some work around the NHL draft for the Calgary Journal. Check out my story on 2013 Draft prospect Jamal Watson of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, ranked 137th by NHL Central Scouting. Feedback is always welcome, so let me know what you think.

I have another two others:
- One on Hunter Shinkaruk .

- A Q&A with the Flames Tod Button .


Well that's a wrap.

Ian


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