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.
- Lohaus

Are ppl really that high on Anderson in Ottawa? I'm hoping for Bishop to take the starting spot next year. He has all the tools. Getting post to post is his only issue, but considering his size, that's only about 8 inches (that's about 18 centimeters to you).

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.
- Lohaus

I agree entirely. But, garrioch did speculate that Murray would have a keen interest in Luongo. Not sure his interest is anything other than ensuring the Leafs do not get him cheap.

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

True, but atleast Luongo would be a good scape goat next spring.

I agree entirely. But, garrioch did speculate that Murray would have a keen interest in Luongo. Not sure his interest is anything other than ensuring the Leafs do not get him cheap.
- spatso

Really? This started by a something Garrioch said?

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 happ y that his contract is off their books.
- As_I_See_It

Considering that their combined cap hit next year is under $5mil, yes they go with both of them. They work better as a tandem, as we saw Elliot implode in the 2nd round when there was no Halak to go back to.

Are ppl really that high on Anderson in Ottawa? I'm hoping for Bishop to take the starting spot next year. He has all the tools. Getting post to post is his only issue, but considering his size, that's only about 8 inches (that's about 18 centimeters to you).
- All Blues

Anderson was excellent for us after maybe the first month or so. He was quite good in the playoffs as well. No reason to believe he isn't that guy for us. I don't see bishop stealing the spot. He's big, he's good positionally, but if anyone steals the spot in the next year or so, it'll be Lehner. He's the real deal.

Are ppl really that high on Anderson in Ottawa? I'm hoping for Bishop to take the starting spot next year. He has all the tools. Getting post to post is his only issue, but considering his size, that's only about 8 inches (that's about 18 centimeters to you).
- All Blues

Anderson had a great season and outstanding playoff. Bishop is on a very short list of Ottawa goalies that might be traded. The other is Lehner. Hard to imagine a situation where one of them is not dealt.

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

yeah, i am hoping carlyle can fix the D.. get those guys playing a real system and i bet some of their inadaquacies begin to disappear

True, but atleast Luongo would be a good scape goat next spring.
- Oilhab

very true

Considering that their combined cap hit next year is under $5mil, yes they go with both of them. They work better as a tandem, as we saw Elliot implode in the 2nd round when there was no Halak to go back to.
- All Blues

You say "implode", I say "played liked he normally did in Ottawa"
It'll forever shock me how a guy who let in more goals that made you wonder if he could start in the AHL could turn all of the sudden go from being that, to what he was in the regular season over night. I wouldn't bank on him being "the guy" whether I was St Louis or another team who might come calling, so if the tandem works, and Elliott doesn't require big money to be part of it, why change it? Seems to be a loving marriage in St Lou.

Really? This started by a something Garrioch said?
- Lohaus

No! But after the tension broke around the Luongo story garrioch added Murray's name as someone who might have an interest. I only remember because it seemed so odd at the time.

Considering that their combined cap hit next year is under $5mil, yes they go with both of them. They work better as a tandem, as we saw Elliot implode in the 2nd round when there was no Halak to go back to.
- All Blues

You're likely right, but if the right offer appeared I think the Blues would be opening to discussing options.

Btw, how far along do you think Jake Allen is? Could he be a back-up this season?

No! But after the tension broke around the Luongo story garrioch added Murray's name as someone who might have an interest. I only remember because it seemed so odd at the time.
- spatso

Most everything Garrioch says seems odd...

yeah, i am hoping carlyle can fix the D.. get those guys playing a real system and i bet some of their inadaquacies begin to disappear
- Dozzer

I agree that the Leafs defensive woes were caused by the coaching system.
Wilson was always trying for the quick breakout and scoring on the rush approach. This lead to immobile d like Phaneuf, Schenn, and Komi being forced to try and make quick passes to forwards that had already exited the zone, leaving no support.

This is why Wilson failed. Watch any team in the playoffs, and the forwards do not clear the zone until the team has established puck control. When the breakout occurs, one forward remains in the zone until the d make it above the face off circle. In Wilsons system, the team was waiting at centre when the puck was behind the net. It's also why they didn't understand board work. It was never practiced. All that was focused on was the rush and transition. Carlyle's system fell apart in Anaheim because they began to lack proper Dmen. Should be an interesting time.

Then enjoy Reimer
- VANTEL

It will be Thomas Vokoun, not Luongo, who starts in front of Reimer/Scrivens.

What does a Kipprusoff trade get back in return? Similar to Bobby Lou or more?

It will be Thomas Vokoun, not Luongo, who starts in front of Reimer/Scrivens.
- triggermartin

Makes a lot of sense.

I agree that the Leafs defensive woes were caused by the coaching system.
Wilson was always trying for the quick breakout and scoring on the rush approach. This lead to immobile d like Phaneuf, Schenn, and Komi being forced to try and make quick passes to forwards that had already exited the zone, leaving no support.

This is why Wilson failed. Watch any team in the playoffs, and the forwards do not clear the zone until the team has established puck control. When the breakout occurs, one forward remains in the zone until the d make it above the face off circle. In Wilsons system, the team was waiting at centre when the puck was behind the net. It's also why they didn't understand board work. It was never practiced. All that was focused on was the rush and transition. Carlyle's system fell apart in Anaheim because they began to lack proper Dmen. Should be an interesting time.
- ILoveLamp

in fairness to wilson his forward core were nowhere nears big enough to play the system that is succeeding in the post season

he was trying to make gold out of dirt.

the leafs forward have skill, but are too small.. its why the arrival of carlyle didnt result in a win streak

Makes a lot of sense.
- spatso

Yes, it does. Vokoun's numbers were solid this year: .917 S%, 2.51 GAA. And the best part is that he doesn't cost any assets, and not much $$. The whole Luongo to Toronto thing is just a huge red herring.

It will be Thomas Vokoun, not Luongo, who starts in front of Reimer/Scrivens.
- triggermartin

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think Vokuon only signed on with the Captitals because he wanted to win the cup and felt they had a legit shot at it so he signed on for the one year deal. It was also part of the reason he took the pay cut. I'm pretty sure I heard that unless a similar situaiton arises, his preferred choice is to head overseas. I heard it on one of our radio shows here, I want to say it was Maguire after the Rangers/Caps series ended, but I'm not 100% sure it was him who said it.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think Vokuon only signed on with the Captitals because he wanted to win the cup and felt they had a legit shot at it so he signed on for the one year deal. It was also part of the reason he took the pay cut. I'm pretty sure I heard that unless a similar situaiton arises, his preferred choice is to head overseas. I heard it on one of our radio shows here, I want to say it was Maguire after the Rangers/Caps series ended, but I'm not 100% sure it was him who said it.
- Lohaus

That's called negotiating in the media, my friend. Who really wants to play 'overseas' besides disgruntled Russian malcontents? And yeah, the Leafs will pay Vokoun more than the Caps did, but a hell of a lot less than Luongo.

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
- senstroll

Fair enough, we'll just agree to disagree. I don't understand what you mean by "risk"? There is only the risk that you may have to send him to the minors. That's the only risk you take! They're not gonna go broke because they stick some money in the minors like they've done with Jeff Finger and whatever that other guys name is? Escapes me right now. 4th liner?

There was risk in signing Connolly, Armstrong, Komisarek, Liles or taking on Lombardi's contract, that didn't seem to bother Burke?

In five years there is hardly anyone on the books for the Leafs, so saying they are in cap trouble right now has little to no bearing on the subject of Luongo and his contract.

Double

yeah, i am hoping carlyle can fix the D.. get those guys playing a real system and i bet some of their inadaquacies begin to disappear
- Dozzer

I hope so.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think Vokuon only signed on with the Captitals because he wanted to win the cup and felt they had a legit shot at it so he signed on for the one year deal. It was also part of the reason he took the pay cut. I'm pretty sure I heard that unless a similar situaiton arises, his preferred choice is to head overseas. I heard it on one of our radio shows here, I want to say it was Maguire after the Rangers/Caps series ended, but I'm not 100% sure it was him who said it.
- Lohaus

That was the way his agent told the story. I think they miscalculated and asked too much. I think they wanted the Flyers but missed. In the end they waited too long. The one year deal was a gamble that he would have a great year and cash in next year