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stuff99 · 06-26-2009, 06:45 PM

Luongo's seat at draft table suggests deal may be in the bag

By Jason Botchford, The Province
June 26, 2009 4:51 PM

VANCOUVER — Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been holding an ace up his sleeve and he played it at Vancouver's draft table in Montreal.

The Canucks have been closing in on a Roberto Luongo extension and there have been many indications they have already reached a deal in principal. The story was furthered when Luongo showed up in Montreal Friday to sit in with Gillis at the Canucks draft table.

Gillis wouldn't confirm the deal but said the sides have been "talking the same language" and have been seeking the same goals since they started negotiating.

By NHL rule, nothing can be made official until July 1. An ESPN reporter said Thursday on TEAM 1040 the deal will be announced on July 1.

Most of the doubt of whether there is an actual deal or not disappeared when Luongo showed up with the Canucks in Montreal.

If a Luongo deal is wrapped up, it gives Gillis a significant bargaining chip in his ongoing negotiation with the Sedin twins or in future negotiations with other unrestricted free agents. Even if a deal hasn't been finalized, it's unlikely Luongo would be at the draft table if one weren't imminent.

It's a late ace card played by Gillis and may be why he has remained confident the Sedins will re-sign despite a stalemate that has lasted nearly a year. One thing Luongo gives a team is a chance. Any team with Luongo has a chance to make the playoffs and an opportunity to make a run.

And, with Luongo locked up, free agents won't have to worry about him walking away in a year if they sign with the Canucks. That could be a powerful inducement for players, many of whom think Luongo is the best goalie in the game. It's why Gillis was willing to make a Luongo extension a priority even though he has plenty on his plate, including his restricted free agents, the Sedins and the draft.

It could also make it more palatable for players to take less money.

The Sedins are being asked to take less than market value to stay in Vancouver. But if they do it, they have a chance to play for a team which could include both Luongo and Marian Gaborik. Those around the NHL believe the Canucks have a shot to get all four players — the Sedins, Luongo and Gaborik — under contract. Gaborik, as reported in The Province, has already bought a house in the Vancouver area. He wants to play in Vancouver. It's believed his long injury history could be better managed in Vancouver where he could work with noted physiotherapist Rick Celebrini.

This is all a best-case scenario. But if it came together it would be a tough one for the twins to walk away from if they are serious about playing on a team that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup.

In the Canucks final playoff series in Chicago, Luongo told people he wanted to make a decision about his future before the draft. It appears he made it before a meeting with Gillis during the NHL awards in Las Vegas.

Lupien has been all over the map denying the deal, apparently in an attempted smokescreen of the Luongo extension. But where there is smoke, there's fire.

06-26-2009, 06:45 PM	#334
stuff99 I subscribe to the Fight Club ONLY Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver Posts: 7,316 Thanked 212 Times in 79 Posts Failed 35 Times in 23 Posts	Luongo's seat at draft table suggests deal may be in the bag By Jason Botchford, The Province June 26, 2009 4:51 PM VANCOUVER — Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been holding an ace up his sleeve and he played it at Vancouver's draft table in Montreal. The Canucks have been closing in on a Roberto Luongo extension and there have been many indications they have already reached a deal in principal. The story was furthered when Luongo showed up in Montreal Friday to sit in with Gillis at the Canucks draft table. Gillis wouldn't confirm the deal but said the sides have been "talking the same language" and have been seeking the same goals since they started negotiating. By NHL rule, nothing can be made official until July 1. An ESPN reporter said Thursday on TEAM 1040 the deal will be announced on July 1. Most of the doubt of whether there is an actual deal or not disappeared when Luongo showed up with the Canucks in Montreal. If a Luongo deal is wrapped up, it gives Gillis a significant bargaining chip in his ongoing negotiation with the Sedin twins or in future negotiations with other unrestricted free agents. Even if a deal hasn't been finalized, it's unlikely Luongo would be at the draft table if one weren't imminent. It's a late ace card played by Gillis and may be why he has remained confident the Sedins will re-sign despite a stalemate that has lasted nearly a year. One thing Luongo gives a team is a chance. Any team with Luongo has a chance to make the playoffs and an opportunity to make a run. And, with Luongo locked up, free agents won't have to worry about him walking away in a year if they sign with the Canucks. That could be a powerful inducement for players, many of whom think Luongo is the best goalie in the game. It's why Gillis was willing to make a Luongo extension a priority even though he has plenty on his plate, including his restricted free agents, the Sedins and the draft. It could also make it more palatable for players to take less money. The Sedins are being asked to take less than market value to stay in Vancouver. But if they do it, they have a chance to play for a team which could include both Luongo and Marian Gaborik. Those around the NHL believe the Canucks have a shot to get all four players — the Sedins, Luongo and Gaborik — under contract. Gaborik, as reported in The Province, has already bought a house in the Vancouver area. He wants to play in Vancouver. It's believed his long injury history could be better managed in Vancouver where he could work with noted physiotherapist Rick Celebrini. This is all a best-case scenario. But if it came together it would be a tough one for the twins to walk away from if they are serious about playing on a team that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup. In the Canucks final playoff series in Chicago, Luongo told people he wanted to make a decision about his future before the draft. It appears he made it before a meeting with Gillis during the NHL awards in Las Vegas. Lupien has been all over the map denying the deal, apparently in an attempted smokescreen of the Luongo extension. But where there is smoke, there's fire. __________________ ....