The way that Luongo has handled the last year has really increased my respect level for him. And there is no way that he will become a buyout candidate - that is just silly.
However, the expected return has deteriorated substantially for Gillis and the Canucks for thee reasons, IMO:
1) the cap situation will be far tighter for teams this summer than last summer
2) the goalie market is far more saturated than it was last summer
3) Gillis and Luongo have both already publicly stated what everyone knew anyway: Luongo will not be in Vancouver come October. Meaning Gillis' leverage has deteriorated substantially.
Those 3 factors will significantly reduce the return. Gillis played hardball last summer (understandable) and it backfired. Now he will get very little for him.
I believe that Luongo is going to end up in Florida, just as many suspected all along. Though in another thread, someone suggested Phaneuf for Luongo and, while I think Van would have to add, I can see that as a trade that might make sense for both teams.
This I going to be one of the most interesting summers in along time.
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