According to TSN's Farhan Lalji, Canucks Assistant GM Laurence Gilman indicates that trade talks regarding goaltender Roberto Luongo are in full swing and that "Mike(Gillis, Canucks GM) is in discussions with multiple teams and that talks are beyond the 'tire kicking' stage"
In what can only be interpreted as a smokescreen to maximize Vancouver's return for the 33 year old goalie with an onerous contract, Gilman stated "we need a third line center, but no one is going to 'steal' Roberto from us. We're not moving him for a rental. We need something for today & tomorrow"
Leafs GM Dave Nonis is well aware of Luongo's value as he was the one who brought him to Vancouver from Florida in 2006, but it would make no sense for Toronto to give up significant assets as well as taking on the burden of the nine remaining years left on his contract.
If Vancouver continues their stance of requesting a package for the netminder, it is likely it will not come from Toronto.
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As the Maple Leafs take a four day respite from their daunting schedule, they continue to enjoy a high level of success, having earned points in eight straight games over the last two weeks, moving into a fifth place tie with provincial and division rival Ottawa with a 4-0 shutout victory on Saturday and opening up a nine point gap between themselves and the ninth place New York Islanders.
Whether that level of success will convince Leafs GM Dave Nonis to stand pat with the current roster or tinker with it before Wednesday's trade deadline is an open question.
Most of the rumors have centered on acquiring a veteran goaltender, but the young tandem of James Reimer and Ben Scrivens have weathered the storm fairly well and do not burden the club with lengthy, cap suffocating contracts.
Unless a deal for a veteran goalie can be made without giving up nothing more than a draft pick, it is more likely that Nonis will attempt to bolster his defense or possibly add a center in the next three days.
To that end, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reported that Toronto scouts were among three teams watching the Easter Sunday contest between the Stars and Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.
The Stars playoff hopes are fading after a 3-2 loss this afternoon and after trading team captain Brenden Morrow last week, GM Joe Nieuwendyk may be prepared to move pending UFA's Jaromir Jagr or Derek Roy, but of particular interest to the Leafs may be veteran defenseman Stephane Robidas.
The 36 year old Robidas is solid defensively, shoots right handed and has another year remaining on his contract at $3.3 Million, but may not fit in the rebuilding club's plans.
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