Reimer is simply not the real deal...never was.....except for fools.
- Fakepartofme

I'm not writing off Reimer just yet. He looked like the real deal when he started the season, before his neck/head injury. If, by the time 20 games have passed, this coming season, and he hasn't bounced back, then I'll re-evaluate my opinion on him. After seeing how Liles played, after his concussion, as well as Colby Armstrong, then I'll cut him some slack.

Reimer is simply not the real deal...never was.....except for fools.
- Fakepartofme

You may be right, so bring in someone else, but not a guy on the back-end of his prime that is anti to the process of rebuilding. Bring in a goalie, but bring in someone else.

Luongo could never handle the media or fan pressure in Toronto. I mean, c'mon, look at the facts: Toronto hasn't made the playoffs in (close to) a decade so we can just see how awful the media and fans treat their players. Those evil reporters and fans keep running their players out of town. I mean, just look at.... well.... look at... well i guess Jeff Finger?

Nope.
That trade will happen as soon as Montreal trades Subban and their 3rd overall for Lecavalier
- Juice

Lou was a Nonis aquisition, something that needs to be kept in mind.

This story is just another hit whore for the site anyways so I'm done with it. Burke doesn't like ridiculous contracts so its not a story.

Luongo will get traded to another poop market where he has a chance at succeeding with minimal pressure. The end
- Sheppy99

Burke will take onn these contracts, he just wont ink them himself

people misconstrue this to mean that Burke wont ever take on a long contract..

he most certainly will if it helps his team.

I think with all of the Lou speculation, this will be an interesting summer for goalies.

Boston: Rask wants the number 1 and is ready. With Thomas signed for the year ($3M Salary, $5M cap hit), you have to think that Boston is ready to deal Thomas and sign Rask to a long term contract, with Turco as his backup. That means that Boston is in the same situation as Vancouver. we all know Burke and Chiarelli deal a lot, so doesn't this seem more likely?

Buffalo: Another interesting place with Enroth. Although Miller will most likely stay in Buffalo, Enroth is ready for the big show. This year will be Enroths last on his entry level deal, so Buffalo will have to decide by the end of this year who they deal. (highly unlikely that Buffalo and Toronto will EVER make a deal)

Calgary: If Calgary decides to break it apart and finally rebuild, which the badly need to do, what does that mean for Kipper?

LA: Obviously Quick has become one of the top goalies in the league, but Bernier is obviously ready and looking to become a number one. What happens with him?

Minnesota: Josh Harding vs Backstrom, who comes out on top?

I can keep going, but my point is this. Many teams suffered through the growing pains of their young goalies. Case in point, look at the growing pains that Nashville went through until Rinne came out as the number one goalie. Look how long LA gave Quick and Bernier the reigns until Quick DEVELOPED into a star. I think the Leafs should grin and bear it and focus on DEVELOPING goalies.

I think with all of the Lou speculation, this will be an interesting summer for goalies.

Boston: Rask wants the number 1 and is ready. With Thomas signed for the year ($3M Salary, $5M cap hit), you have to think that Boston is ready to deal Thomas and sign Rask to a long term contract, with Turco as his backup. That means that Boston is in the same situation as Vancouver. we all know Burke and Chiarelli deal a lot, so doesn't this seem more likely?

Buffalo: Another interesting place with Enroth. Although Miller will most likely stay in Buffalo, Enroth is ready for the big show. This year will be Enroths last on his entry level deal, so Buffalo will have to decide by the end of this year who they deal. (highly unlikely that Buffalo and Toronto will EVER make a deal)

Calgary: If Calgary decides to break it apart and finally rebuild, which the badly need to do, what does that mean for Kipper?

LA: Obviously Quick has become one of the top goalies in the league, but Bernier is obviously ready and looking to become a number one. What happens with him?

Minnesota: Josh Harding vs Backstrom, who comes out on top?

I can keep going, but my point is this. Many teams suffered through the growing pains of their young goalies. Case in point, look at the growing pains that Nashville went through until Rinne came out as the number one goalie. Look how long LA gave Quick and Bernier the reigns until Quick DEVELOPED into a star. I think the Leafs should grin and bear it and focus on DEVELOPING goalies.
- ILoveLamp

Agreed, Develop Riemer into the star he is destined to be.

5 years down the road he should be a solid backup.

Agreed, Develop Riemer into the star he is destined to be.

5 years down the road he should be a solid backup.
- Oilhab

well not every team can have a blue chip goaltender who leads their team to 28th overall.

cap hit ... like mentioned already .. all the stuff you are mentioning is a risk and a gamble when taking him on... so you adjust your offer accordingly.... the return value drops off significantly when you factor in all the BS you mention
- senstroll

Cap hit now or in six years?

So you're saying you wouldn't want a top 10 goaltender because the Leafs won't send him to the minors to save cap space, even though they've done it a few times in the last few years? But in the mean time they've had five good stable years of goaltending.

You're worried about six years from now, one of the richest teams in the league sending money to the minors...sorry I don't get it?

At 33, Lou will not be the piece that pushes us from 5th last to 8th place on his own..

In another year, if we have the pieces to push us to the playoff spot he will be 34.. When we start being contenders he will be 35+.... I'd rather not waste the assets to acquire the guy that is not our biggest need right now.
- mfreedman

So the leafs were in a playoff spot up until early Feb, then they collaspsed due to horrendous goaltending and bad D. Adding Lou and his great regular season record along 1 or 2 improvements on D will pretty much get them into playoffs.
From there, anything can happen.
Lou will still be a quality goalie 3 -4 years down the road....if not 5 years.

The "pressure in TO" argument is really stupid considering the city would probably build a statue of him just for getting the Leafs into the first round.

Thats how desperate people here are.

It would be a long honeymoon period with Luongo... Until fans here get used to winning a couple series in the post season, there will be no Luongo bashing.

If Luongo can handle the pressure of an entire country during a gold medal game, he can handle an 82 game schedule with LIMITED expectations, to say the very least.

With stability like Luongo in net... Maybe we could have convinced someone like Brad Richards to play here... I mean I wouldnt trust a no name like James Reimer or Jonas Gustavsson when selecting a team to play for either.

I'm not writing off Reimer just yet. He looked like the real deal when he started the season, before his neck/head injury. If, by the time 20 games have passed, this coming season, and he hasn't bounced back, then I'll re-evaluate my opinion on him. After seeing how Liles played, after his concussion, as well as Colby Armstrong, then I'll cut him some slack.
- PrinceLH

No he didn't, its just that the team was able to overcome his downfalls.
That's the mistake people make.
He wasn't that great the first 5 games.

Edmonton will be a force for about 3 yrs then will see stars walk away since they won't have enough money to keep their rfa.

Hopefully you make a cup run like Chicago, since it's a similar fate
- numbear

I'm not even an Edmonton fan, but they're doing all of the right things in terms of developing a great team. Who knows what they'll do with that 1st overall pick this year. Since you mentioned Chicago, keep in mind that some jacka$$ in the front office didn't submit the qualifying offers for 6-7 players in time, thus turning them into UFAs instead of RFAs & driving up their price, leading to the mass exodus after their cup run. I doubt the Oil are that dumb. Kudos to Chicago for winning while they had the window. Kudos to them too for making themselves a joke for years to come.

Vancouver built a great team and got used to winning... They were allowed to be picky with their goalie performance in the FINALS.

The Leafs are so far from that point.

Bring in Luongo so we dont have to worry about the goalie position. Focus on keeping first round draft picks and attracting UFA's.

Agreed, Develop Riemer into the star he is destined to be.

5 years down the road he should be a solid backup.
- Oilhab

And around the same time Schenn will peak and he'll be a solid shut down dman.....that doesn't shut down.
Stars in the making!

Lottery picks don't always help ask EDM.
- VANTEL

One first overall pick would be nice...3 or more? The oilers can go (frank) themselves....and finish 17th overall.

The "pressure in TO" argument is really stupid considering the city would probably build a statue of him just for getting the Leafs into the first round.

Thats how desperate people here are.

It would be a long honeymoon period with Luongo... Until fans here get used to winning a couple series in the post season, there will be no Luongo bashing.

If Luongo can handle the pressure of an entire country during a gold medal game, he can handle an 82 game schedule with LIMITED expectations, to say the very least.

With stability like Luongo in net... Maybe we could have convinced someone like Brad Richards to play here... I mean I wouldnt trust a no name like James Reimer or Jonas Gustavsson when selecting a team to play for either.
- ejeezy

Bingo!

Contrary to what some people are saying Luongo's contract is probably looking good to lots of teams. His cap hit at $5.3m is not bad for an elite goalie. But his salary drops dramatically over the end of his deal and is entirely in line with the numbers you would expect of a top back up.

A good goalie costs you $4m plus. Luongo's contract was front end loaded with really big dollars up front. For a team like Tampa or Florida he is a bargain. I believe, Vancouver will get back the equivalent of a first round pick or prospect.

Do not discount even teams like Buffalo and Ottawa jumping into the negotiations. Why wouldn't a team like Buffalo deal for a player like Luongo? They could then deal Miller for a very good return (he needs a change). Earlier on when all this stuff started you saw similar speculation about Murray dealing for Luongo and then moving Anderson to one if the Florida based teams.

Vancouver built a great team and got used to winning... They were allowed to be picky with their goalie performance in the FINALS.

The Leafs are so far from that point.

Bring in Luongo so we dont have to worry about the goalie position. Focus on keeping first round draft picks and attracting UFA's.
- ejeezy

I really don't think Luongo's the solution in Toronto, unless the price tag is small. Knowing that the Canucks need to unload him immediately diminishes his trade value by @ least 50%. I like the Leafs. I think it's good for hockey when the Leafs are good & the last thing I want to see Burke do is piss away more assets when he doesn't have to.

well not every team can have a blue chip goaltender who leads their team to 28th overall.
- Dozzer

Guess that is why hockey is a team game.

Now the habs just need to find a team to play in front of their tender.

Guess that is why hockey is a team game.

Now the habs just need to find a team to play in front of their tender.
- Oilhab

lol i know i know.. i was only kidding..

seems like no matter what history tells us, there will always be that one magical player that can take a team over the top.

i guess what I am trying to say is that while solid goaltending could help the leafs.. but its not their only big problem

lol i know i know.. i was only kidding..

seems like no matter what history tells us, there will always be that one magical player that can take a team over the top.

i guess what I am trying to say is that while solid goaltending could help the leafs.. but its not their only big problem
- Dozzer

But it's a big problem that has a possible solution...the other 2 big problems have no possible solutions right now.

Contrary to what some people are saying Luongo's contract is probably looking good to lots of teams. His cap hit at $5.3m is not bad for an elite goalie. But his salary drops dramatically over the end of his deal and is entirely in line with the numbers you would expect of a top back up.

A good goalie costs you $4m plus. Luongo's contract was front end loaded with really big dollars up front. For a team like Tampa or Florida he is a bargain. I believe, Vancouver will get back the equivalent of a first round pick or prospect.

Do not discount even teams like Buffalo and Ottawa jumping into the negotiations. Why wouldn't a team like Buffalo deal for a player like Luongo? They could then deal Miller for a very good return (he needs a change). Earlier on when all this stuff started You saw similar speculation about Murray dealing for Luongo and then moving Anderson to one if the Florida based teams.
- spatso

Why would Ottawa enter these Spatso? Anderson clearly proved his worth in the playoffs, we have one of the top goaltending prospects in hockey crying for a chance to play in the bigs and we have Bishop who is eager to earn his next contract this season as Anderson's backup. There is no room for a guy like Luongo, who if anything is only a mild improvement on Anderson at this point based on how well Anderson has fit in here and how well he has performed during that time. Plus, Luongo's contract sets up major issues in a year or two when Lehner is ready for full time duty.

There are other holes in the lineup that need to be addressed first (a winger for our top line, a top 6 forward if you will, a solid minute munching defensive D).
For once in Ottawa, goaltending is not one of them.

Cap hit now or in six years?

So you're saying you wouldn't want a top 10 goaltender because the Leafs won't send him to the minors to save cap space, even though they've done it a few times in the last few years? But in the mean time they've had five good stable years of goaltending.

You're worried about six years from now, one of the richest teams in the league sending money to the minors...sorry I don't get it?
- LeftCoaster

I am saying I would not give a lot of value back for that much or a risk. I am worried about cap space 5 years from now. I dont know how I can say it more clearly. The leafs are already having some cap issues with Komi, Connolly, lombardi... you are trying to sell me on the fact the leafs can wipe the last 5 years away..easy peasy.. I am not buying it.

How many contracts have the leafs burried to save cap money? ummm 1?
Burke held a press conference to demote a 4th line goon ...I dont think he likes doing it

I think with all of the Lou speculation, this will be an interesting summer for goalies.

Boston: Rask wants the number 1 and is ready. With Thomas signed for the year ($3M Salary, $5M cap hit), you have to think that Boston is ready to deal Thomas and sign Rask to a long term contract, with Turco as his backup. That means that Boston is in the same situation as Vancouver. we all know Burke and Chiarelli deal a lot, so doesn't this seem more likely?

Buffalo: Another interesting place with Enroth. Although Miller will most likely stay in Buffalo, Enroth is ready for the big show. This year will be Enroths last on his entry level deal, so Buffalo will have to decide by the end of this year who they deal. (highly unlikely that Buffalo and Toronto will EVER make a deal)

Calgary: If Calgary decides to break it apart and finally rebuild, which the badly need to do, what does that mean for Kipper?

LA: Obviously Quick has become one of the top goalies in the league, but Bernier is obviously ready and looking to become a number one. What happens with him?

Minnesota: Josh Harding vs Backstrom, who comes out on top?

I can keep going, but my point is this. Many teams suffered through the growing pains of their young goalies. Case in point, look at the growing pains that Nashville went through until Rinne came out as the number one goalie. Look how long LA gave Quick and Bernier the reigns until Quick DEVELOPED into a star. I think the Leafs should grin and bear it and focus on DEVELOPING goalies.
- ILoveLamp

Solid points, but you also forgot to mention:

- That Vokoun is available.
- I also think that if you're going to mention Enroth, Bernier and Harding, guys like Lindback, Bishop and Lehner and maybe even Bobrovsky could also enter into the conversation.
- What does the emergence of Holtby mean for Neuvirth and the Caps?
- Does St. Louis roll with both Halak and Elliott again?
- How about the fact that both Price and Schneider have yet to sign a deal and could either of these guys be offer sheeted?

The are LOADS of goalie questions, options and possible scenarios heading into this summer. The one thing that I think most Vancouver fans forget is that...

LUONGO ISN'T THE ONLY GOALIE OPTION AVAILABLE and because of that fact alone his price drops significantly, nevermind the huge contract and that Vancouver isn't exactly dealing from a position of strength because it is widely specualted, perhaps known, that they would prefer to go with Schneider as their #1.

In the end, I think Vancouver fans will be disappointed in Luongo's return and should just be happy that his contract is off their books.