Roberto Luongo was essentially gone from Vancouver. After the 2012-13 season wrapped, it was assumed the veteran had officially played his final game as a Canuck. He was replaced by Cory Schneider as starter when the season kicked off. Vancouver attempted to trade the veteran at the deadline, but after failing to do so, vowed to be moving on with Schneider as the future inside the net. Except when the 2013 season kicks off, Luongo will be in the net, not Schneider.
General manager Mike Gillis pulled off a rather shocking draft day trade on Sunday, sending Schneider to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a top 10 draft pick. Gillis had brief discussions about a move and when the draft pick presented itself, he pulled the trigger, shocking everyone including both goaltenders.
TSN reports Luongo had no clue this move was coming. Owner Francesco Aquilini flew down to Luongo's Florida house and told him about the trade just moments before it was actually announced. Schneider was not given that luxury. He was not made aware of the trade until after it was finalized. Gillis called the goalie after announcing the trade during the draft.
The root of all of Vancouver's problems had to do with Luongo's contract. The veteran still had 12 years and $64 million remaining on a contract that no team would pick up. They could not trade him no matter how hard they tried. They could have used the amnesty clause on him, but received nothing in return. The trade was the best move for the moment. So now, after Luongo had reportedly already left Vancouver mentally, he must get back into the mindset of once again being the Canucks' go-to guy. Gillis is confident he can.
"I believe Roberto is a professional. I think he is an outstanding goaltender and I anticipate him being one of the front runners for the Sochi Olympics playing goal for Canada. Based on all those features I don't expect there to be a problem, but I haven't spoken to him," Gillis said.
Luongo and Schneider have stayed in touch amid all the rumors swirling over the weekend. They wished each other nothing but the best moving forward. Luongo's history proves he is at his best when given a majority of the work and not splitting time with Schneider. He had a .928 save percentage when he played 60 games in 2010-11. He does not get the fresh start like anticipated and will be back in Canada soon enough.
