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As Leafs Gather, Luongo Rumors Gain Steam

January 7, 2013, 11:08 PM ET [1352 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The MasterCard Center in Etobicoke was indeed the "center" of attention Monday morning, as a scattering of Toronto Maple Leafs players practiced and coach Randy Carlyle held his first post-lockout press availability of the 2013 season.

While most of the Leafs roster should be back in Toronto by late in the week, with the beginning of training camp tentatively scheduled for the weekend, most of the focus continues to be on the potential acquisition of Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo.

The Toronto Sun’s Mike Zeisberger indicated in his column on a potential Luongo-to-Toronto deal that Canucks Asst GM Laurence Gilman was conspicuously seen at a Toronto Marlies game last week, which only adds to the perception that a deal is possible and perhaps imminent.

Vancouver has been rumored to have interest in Toronto center Tyler Bozak, but would also be looking for additional prospects to get a deal done.

Zeisberger mentions former first-round pick Nazem Kadri as a possible target, but scouting him would not add up with Gilman’s visit, as Kadri was out of the lineup with a rib injury for the midweek home game against Hamilton and only returned to the lineup over the weekend against Rockford.

Luongo appears to be acknowledging that a move is close at hand, as being Cory Schneider’s backup does not appear to be a pleasant prospect. Sun reporter Rob Longley interviewed the 33-year-old veteran goaltender in South Florida after practicing with goaltending guru (and former Leaf goalie coach) Francois Allaire and he was more candid about the possibility of being traded to the Blue and White.

“I have a lot of respect for Toronto, Brian Burke and the Leafs. They are obviously part of the equation, there’s no denying that. But there’s a lot of things that can happen. I want to make sure I’m aware of all of the possibilities.”

“I don’t know (what’s going to happen), I’ve never been part of something like this before. It’s cliche to say this, but it’s going to be day-by-day. I don’t have an answer. I don’t know what the end result will be.”

If you're using the "where there's smoke, there's fire" argument, it’s almost impossible to deny that Toronto has interest in Luongo, but the rumored price of Bozak and a significant prospect is still way beyond what Burke is likely to want to pay.

Vancouver is in a tenuous situation regarding the goaltending and with the reality of a decreasing salary cap over the next two years, having a backup goaltender with an over $5 Million cap hit does not make any sense.

If you recall, the rumor regarding Luongo being traded to Toronto last year included names like Jake Gardiner and Matt Frattin, which was likely a transparent attempt to raise the goalie’s price tag.

*******

In his press conference, Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle touched on a variety of issues that lie in front of his club before the assumed starting date of the regular season; Saturday, January 19.

Bullet Points

The roster for training camp will be Training Camp Roster will be less than 30 players.

Marlies defenseman Paul Ranger is “not on the radar” for the Leafs at this point, as he is on an AHL only contract.

James Reimer and Ben Scrivens are described as “NHL quality goaltending”

On Leafs ’12 first rounder Morgan Rielly: “He’s an elite junior player. Is he an NHL ready player?”

Blueliner Jake Gardiner(who has been out of the lineup for a month) is doing off-ice workouts and may be available at some point during training camp or before the regular season begins.

European winger Leo Komarov was impressive in his brief stint in the AHL.

James van Riemsdyk will start on the wing, but may have an opportunity to play center down the line.

The management and coaching staff had no contact whatsoever with players during the lockout.

Most line combinations and defensive pairings are up in the air at this point, with the exception of the Phil Kessel-Joffrey Lupul, which is "etched in stone".






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