June 20, 200620 yr STANLEY CUP FINALS NOTEBOOK Panthers may trade Luongo BY GEORGE RICHARDS grichards@MiamiHerald.com ON THE TABLE? The Panthers say they'll consider a trade - possibly as early as this week - for Roberto Luongo. AP FILE PHOTO ON THE TABLE? The Panthers say they'll consider a trade - possibly as early as this week - for Roberto Luongo. Goaltender Roberto Luongo is the face of the Florida Panthers franchise. Perhaps not for long. Florida general manager Mike Keenan said Monday that the team would explore all options with the All-Star goaltender -- including working a trade during this weekend's draft in Vancouver. A source inside the organization said Monday night that Keenan had begun ''checking the market'' for Luongo's worth. Detroit, Vancouver and Los Angeles are said to have strong interest in the 27-year-old -- with Ottawa, Toronto and the New York Rangers also being talked about. Keenan did say the Panthers would make Luongo a one-year tender by the June 26 deadline -- only if Luongo still was with the team. ''I'm not going to speculate on anything right now,'' Keenan said in a telephone interview Monday afternoon. ``The last date we have is June 26. We'll qualify him if we get to that date. But he has said no to everything so far.'' Unless he agrees to a long-term deal before the deadline, Luongo becomes a restricted free agent July 1. Florida's qualifying tender -- which can be no lower than Luongo's 2005-06 salary of $3.2 million -- would ensure the Panthers hold on to his rights for at least next season. Luongo can become an unrestricted free agent after this coming season. Luongo's agent, who did not return calls left by The Miami Herald, told The Palm Beach Post earlier this month that his client would not sign a long-term deal with the team this summer. Instead, the agent said, Luongo would sign the one-year qualifying offer and worry about a long-term deal later. That apparently isn't sitting well with management. Florida's latest offer of four years at $6.25 million per season, numerous sources say, is now off the table. The Panthers feel Luongo is set on testing the free agency waters, and they don't want to get stuck with nothing if he does. Luongo also did not return calls seeking comment Monday. If Luongo remains with the Panthers past this week, he has options, including re-signing with the team. Luongo can start negotiating with other teams June 27, and after July 1 can sign an offer sheet with a team other than Florida. The Panthers can match any offer sheet Luongo signs. If Florida decides not to match the offer sheet -- which would be unlikely -- the Panthers would receive significant compensation, including a number of first-round draft picks. Luongo also could take the Panthers to arbitration in hopes of a modest financial boost to the qualifying offer. It's still possible Luongo will start the season with the Panthers. But if it's only with a one-year deal, the Panthers likely will trade him before the trade deadline. The Panthers cannot risk losing Luongo to free agency after the season with no compensation. ''We're not going to let him walk out the door,'' Keenan said. But the Panthers might just escort him. BACK FOR MORE Carolina winger Cory Stillman was trying to become the first player since Claude Lemieux to win the Cup in successive seasons. Lemieux won the Cup with New Jersey in 1995, and his Avalanche beat the Panthers in the 1996 Finals. Stillman won the Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004, a series -- like this one -- that went seven games. ''I want to say [experience] helps,'' he said before Monday's game. ``We've probably played 107, 108 games right now, so we know what we have to do. We just have to go out there and do it. It's exciting, that's for sure. You always dream about playing for the Cup.'' http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/14856556.htm
June 20, 200620 yr It seems luongo is being burnett-esque. Although it would be terrible for the team to lose their top guy, as the article says we cant let him leave next year as an unrestricted free agent. If he doesnt accept a long term deal or get picked up while still restricted, we have no choice but to trade him
June 20, 200620 yr This is all fluster from Keenan. He will not be traded. The only reason there is even any real consideration is because David Shantz, our top goalie prospect, had a strong season this year. People have been saying this for years. Keenan has been reiterating the same thing for the past year. Of course you have to look at a trade for any player including Luongo. But its not happening. I am willing to put money down that Luongo will not be traded from Florida.
June 20, 200620 yr This is all fluster from Keenan. He will not be traded. The only reason there is even any real consideration is because David Shantz, our top goalie prospect, had a strong season this year. People have been saying this for years. Keenan has been reiterating the same thing for the past year. Of course you have to look at a trade for any player including Luongo. But its not happening. I am willing to put money down that Luongo will not be traded from Florida. I really hope so B4P. Thanks for the insight
June 20, 200620 yr Don't tdeal him to the Rangers!! That isn't happening. Lundqvist proved himself a capable, spectacular at times, goaltender for the Rangers this year. If Luongo gets traded, the most likely teams are the Red Wings and Canucks. The Red Wings, because they have a lot of offensive talent to deal with and they want Luongo (At least the fanbase does) and the Canucks because there are a bunch of "Keenan" players on that team. Still not very likely.
June 20, 200620 yr Don't tdeal him to the Rangers!! That isn't happening. Lundqvist proved himself a capable, spectacular at times, goaltender for the Rangers this year. If Luongo gets traded, the most likely teams are the Red Wings and Canucks. The Red Wings, because they have a lot of offensive talent to deal with and they want Luongo (At least the fanbase does) and the Canucks because there are a bunch of "Keenan" players on that team. Still not very likely. I wouldnt mind Pavel Datsyuk (spelling) or Zetterberg in return. Maybe if they threw in Manny Legacy
June 20, 200620 yr Don't tdeal him to the Rangers!! If Luongo gets traded, the most likely teams are the Red WingsI doubt he goes to the Red Wings. Manny Legace did an awesome job for them this year. I expect him to hang around the starter's spot for a while. If the Wings go after a goalie in the offseason, it'll be a second stringer. and Canucks. The Canucks have a bit of a goalie issue. Auld played awesome hockey in Cloutier's absence. Cloutier was healthy enough to play months ago but the Canucks didn't start him in a single game after his injury. My expectation is that Auld gets dealt to another team for a second string goalie (and maybe a draft pick) and Cloutier once again becomes the starter in Vancouver. If Luongo goes anywhere, he'll be going to Los Angeles or Columbus. Both teams are really in hot water in the goalie department. The Kings' Matheui Garon played decent in the beginning of the year but really had a melt down in the later parts of the year, often being pulled and replaced by LaBabera who didn't perform well at all in the few starts he got. The Kings also have great offensive power players such as Alexander Frolov and Pavol Demitra that could really help the Panthers' cause in the event of a trade with L.A. Columbus' problems are a little different. Over the past three years, Marc Denis been the starter in Columbus and each of those three years he's had a losing record. He was 27-41 in 2002, 21-36 in 2003 and, despite being injured, 21-25 this season. Furthermore, he was pulled for the Jackets' season opener "simply because LeClaire performed better in camp". If the Jackets can afford Luongo's contract, they have a lot of weapons the Panthers could use.
June 20, 200620 yr Legace is being let go. Canucks because of the Keenan Players. Trust me, he is not going to Columbus or LA. LA may have an outside chance but they'd have to give up an arm and a leg for Luongo and thats something they cannot afford.
June 20, 200620 yr Legace is being let go. Canucks because of the Keenan Players. Trust me, he is not going to Columbus or LA. LA may have an outside chance but they'd have to give up an arm and a leg for Luongo and thats something they cannot afford. If they do let Legace go, that is a huge mistake. Season Team GP MIN W L T GA SO Avg SV% 2005-06 DET 51 2,905 37 8 0 106 7 2.19 .915
June 20, 200620 yr From June 10th: Helene St. James reports the Detroit Red Wings won't re-signed impending UFA goaltender Manny Legace, making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. St. James speculates the Wings might pursue Buffalo's Martin Biron and the club will keep an eye on Roberto Luongo's contract talks. Other possiblities include Anaheim's J-S Giguere (although he has another season at $3.99 million left on his current contract), Carolina's Martin Gerber and Edmonton's Dwayne Roloson. St. James also speculates the Wings may retain Chris Osgood as their backup goalie. GM Ken Holland insists he won't use forward Pavel Datsyuk as trade bait and his current priority is re-signing defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom.
June 20, 200620 yr Big mistake. Why? Manny is a product of a strong Detroit defense. He has yet to prove himself big in any pressure situation whatsoever. He has the Marty Turco syndrome. Solid, even spectacular, goaltending and stats during the regular season but in the postseason, disappear into thin air.
June 20, 200620 yr Big mistake. Why? Manny is a product of a strong Detroit defense. He has yet to prove himself big in any pressure situation whatsoever. He has the Marty Turco syndrome. Solid, even spectacular, goaltending and stats during the regular season but in the postseason, disappear into thin air. Yeah, he hasn't been great in the postseason at all from what I've seen but I can't argue with his regular season record. He's a great goalie, just needs to learn how to play well under pressure. He's turning into a "you can't win the big game" guy. Still, I say the Wings should give him another year.
June 20, 200620 yr Legace 37-8-3 2.19 GAA .915 Save % Loungo 35-30-9 2.97 GAA .914 Save % If we traded loungo I wouldnt mind signing legace. I think Zetterburg would fit right in our lineup...
June 20, 200620 yr Legace 37-8-3 2.19 GAA .915 Save % Loungo 35-30-9 2.97 GAA .914 Save % If we traded loungo I wouldnt mind signing legace. I think Zetterburg would fit right in our lineup... Why? Luongo had that record with a defense that is levels below the Red Wings (Albeit, the Panthers got better later in the year on that end). Much like the Marino quote: Joe Montana is a product of a system, Marino is the system. Just replace Montana with Legace and Marino with Luongo.
June 20, 200620 yr Author Legace 37-8-3 2.19 GAA .915 Save % Loungo 35-30-9 2.97 GAA .914 Save % If we traded loungo I wouldnt mind signing legace. I think Zetterburg would fit right in our lineup... Why? Luongo had that record with a defense that is levels below the Red Wings (Albeit, the Panthers got better later in the year on that end). Much like the Marino quote: Joe Montana is a product of a system, Marino is the system. Just replace Montana with Legace and Marino with Luongo. :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup trading luongo will do one other major problem. Just like getting rid of the Beezzz really hurt the number of folks going to the games and fans of the panthers doing the same to luongo would kill that. Sorta like the marlins if they dump Willis. Luongo is the face of this franchise and he is only 27. He isnt really in his prime yet
June 21, 200620 yr Louie won't sign long term, we would be stupid not to at least explore our options. If we trade Luongo, you can be guaranteed Keenan will get something spectacular in return and then some. IN KEENAN WE TRUST!!!1111one
June 21, 200620 yr The Kings have made a real tempting offer for Luongo. LOS ANGELES TIMES: Chris Foster reports a league source claims the Kings have made a pitch for Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo. "The Kings are believed to be discussing a multi-player package, with forwards Alexander Frolov and Dustin Brown and goaltender Mathieu Garon among the names being discussed. Dean Lombardi, the Kings' general manager, declined to comment", reports Foster. PALM BEACH POST: Brian Biggane also reports on the Kings offer, and suggests it appears the Panthers are making Luongo available after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. Spector's Note; Not a bad offer for Luongo if it's legit, although Garon did fade down the stretch last season, but Frolov and Brown hold plenty of promise and would be affordable pickups if Keenan were to seriously pursue a big ticket UFA blueliner. C/O Spectorshockey.net
June 21, 200620 yr I see that not much has changed with this Panthers ownership. :plain If you had any idea what was going on you'd understand why he's on the trade block. They offered him 4 years at 6.75 million per and he turned them down because of the trade clause stipulation that COULD BE ADDED ON DURING THE SEASON. He has repeatedly turned down more than fair offers in the 6-7million dollar per year range. Alan Cohen has done all he can besides change the NHL CBA to allow for trade clauses for RFAs (which is impossible). :banghead
June 21, 200620 yr Hopefully we just sign him long term and give him a no trade clause or whatever he wants. If not I am sure we will be getting good players in return.
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