Could Luongo Get Moved? Part 2

The Detroit Red Wings: it's widely believed that the Wings are one of the declining teams. But let's be honest, they haven't had a really good goalie since Dominik Hasek and Mike Vernon. Jimmy Howard has one year left at $2.25 million, Ty Conklin is a UFA and Joey MacDonald is a non-factor making $550,000 next year. Could this happen? Yes. Would it happen? No. There is an old rule that says you never trade a good player in your own division, this rule also applies in the Western Conference. But maybe Detroit gets rezoned and sent to the East, voila.

The Ottawa Senators: they have lots of room left, something close to $12-13 million, it's close to his hometown and believe it or not they have a pretty good team. The main issue is Craig Anderson who is under contract until 2014-2015 at $3.18 million. Not exactly a loveable contract. But with that being said, Bishopp is an RFA who made $650,00 and Alex Auld is UFA.

Colorado: The Avalanche are nearing $50 million dollars, significantly under the cap. Over $14 million significantly. They also have two goalies that the majority of the NHL would not want separately let alone as a duo. Varlamov is under contact until 2012-2013 at $2.8 and J.S Giguere has one year left at $1.25. It would come down to what assets would come in return. They better be great or the "don't trade in your division" rule rears its ugly head. Attention Gabe Landeskog. (this deal doesn't happen)

Now it's time for the "Lu's interest" section. These are the most realistic for both sides. Keep in mind I won't speculate who comes in return just talk about possible outcomes.

The Washington Capitals: the only way this happens is if the Caps send some salary to Vancouver. This will be an issue for both teams because Washington is sitting at $66, 356, 277 over the $64,150,000 NHL cap. But the contract of Tomas Vokoun is up at the end of this year, Dany SAbourin is a UFA, Neuvirth is an RFA and Holtby is an RFA after next season at $637,000. Washington is a good team and although they had a bit of a setback this year, they are a perennial playoff team. The only issue is that they have to play in Boston at least two times a year and possibly up to four more times in Boston during the playoffs.

Tampa Bay: it is no secret that GM Steve Yzerman has an awesome name and he is also in love with Roberto Luongo. This dates back to Vancouver 2010. No matter what the trolls say, Bob backstopped Team Canada to a gold medal and Yzerman hasn't forgotten this. Roloson is a UFA which frees up $3.5 and Caron is also a UFA which tidies up a league minimum contract and Sebastien Garon has one year left at $1.3. This is a high possibility if the bolts can get their stuff together and make it into the playoffs. Besides Booboo during their Stanley Cup year the Lightening have never had an unbelievable goaltender. Sorry to Darren Puppa and his family, no disrespect. But if this deal has anything to do with Vinny Lecavalier I cringe and hang up the phone.

Finally, his old stomping ground: FLORIDA. I don't know how but Florida won the Southeast division. Will this be a continuing trend? I don't think so and hell they throw plastic rats on the ice. But his wife is from there he has an uncle that owns a pizza shop and he could be reunited with some of his old teammates including Samuelsson and Sturm and let's be honest who wouldn't want to play with a guy name Skille. The answer is nobody. And Jovo Cop returned to Florida, why can't Lu? Did I mention his Uncle's pizza place?

Is it possible he gets moved? Yes. Could it be to one of the ten aforementioned teams, also yes! Although everyone thinks it would impossible to move Luongo, that isn't the case. He has a cap hit of $5.3 million for the next ten years or so which isn't terrible or unreasonable and there is a club option for a buyout in two years.

Keep in mind that I'm a huge Luongo fan. I think he's a great player and I have supported him since before he was a Canuck. I even don't mind his greasy Italian hair. Okay, that last one was a lie.

Regardless of what happens I hope Roberto Luongo has a bright future and goes on to win a Cup and silence his critics.

All NHL numbers were taken from http://www.CapGeek.com/

Article Added: 2012-04-18

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