Well, Luongo will probably give the Canucks nightmares down the road, even if he gets traded. When he signed his contract, this is what the first 3 years were in salary:
10 million
6.7
6.7
His cap hit is 5.3.
His last 3 years:
1.6
1.0
1.0
Given the length of this contract, it definitely will be part of the cap-recapture. When Luongo retires (and why wouldn't he at that age/pay scale?), it is going back to the Canucks regardless of where he went to play afterwards.
Best option is to buy out Luongo now. He is NOT going to bring back a good return. He is probably a negative contract, but let's say Gillis is able to leverage something for him - it is clear that 'something' will not be big at all.
To the Fans here who think Feaster might be trying to obtain Richards, think again. Rangers won't trade him. It is safe to assume Richards will retire before the end of his contract, leaving the Rangers on the hook for over 5 million for each of the two seasons after he retires. Rangers wouldn't want to take that possibility - they will buy out Richards either this year (unlikely - let's see how he rebounds under AV) but more than likely he will be bought out next year.
Vancouver fans might roll their eyes at the notion of Luongo having to get bought out, but it might just be in the best interests of the organization moving forward. Cap-recapture is going to hurt later.
As a Flames fan, I hope he gets traded soon
