The Vancouver Canucks were hoping Roberto Luongo would be thrilled to hear that he was going to be staying in Vancouver as the starting goalie. The team made a draft day trade sending 2012 starter Cory Schneider to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a top-10 pick. This meant that Luongo would in fact not be traded and return to his position as the No. 1 guy. However, the veteran has gone silent, leaving several people in the organization to worry.
General manager Mike Gillis intends on taking care of the situation. Having yet to talk to Luongo since pulling off the trade, Gillis will be flying to meet Luongo face-to-face to discuss his future with the team and intentions for next season. Gillis stresses that he and Luongo have a great relationship and just need to iron out a few issues.
Luongo was reportedly shocked by the trading of Schneider. The Canucks had been attempting to trade the veteran for almost a year and half and had no takers due to his contract size. Lunogo had moved on mentally, figuring a trade was all but guaranteed this offseason. Living down in Florida, Luongo was waiting to hear where he would be headed next only to find out that he would be returning to Vancouver. Now, Luongo has gone silent as the Vancouver Sun reports the veteran is weighing his options.
"He has always been a professional, and I'm sure he'll remain a professional and he'll act in the best interest of his hockey team and himself," Gillis said.
Luongo originally lost his starting job to then backup Cory Schneider during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The veteran struggled against the Los Angeles Kings, prompting the demotion. Schneider was then named the starter for the 2012-13 season. Vancouver assumed they would be able to trade Luongo prior to the season beginning, but no team showed interest in taking on his inflated contract. The Canucks tried once again prior to the trade deadline and were unsuccessful. The trading of Schneider symbolized the team giving up on their chances.
Luongo is currently in Los Vegas participating in the World Series of Poker. He gave an interview to a local radio station in the area. When asked what he had been up to this offseason, Luongo replied, "Not much. Just enjoying the summer, working out and getting ready for another big season."
Both Gillis and new head coach John Tortorella are hoping Luongo commits to the team soon. Both are eager to begin preparations for a new season after a disappointing ending to last year.
