Vancouver Canucks' coach Alain Vigneault confirms Roberto Luongo wants to go -NHL Update
What was speculated about after the end of a disappointing playoff performance by Vancouver Canucks, head coach Alain Vigneault came out and disclosed the fact that his veteran goalie, Roberto Luongo, does indeed want to be traded out of the organisation,
but has not confirmed whether they plan on doing the same or not.
In an interview with a French television channel, Vigneault added that he would do what would be best for his franchise instead of just looking at personal interests. Replacing Luongo will certainly be a hassle if they decide to let him go.
“First of all, that is what he wants right now,” Vigneault said. “What we need to do is what's best for our organization and our team. We have to look at what's best for our organization and Roberto.”
Luongo himself did not confirm that it was his decision after the playoffs as he was given the opportunity to start in just the opening two games against the hot Los Angeles Kings. He did indicate that a trade would be possible if the team was also of the
same mindset.
“Yeah, of course, if they ask me to,” Luongo said. “I don't want to be one of those guys who is going to stand in the way of anything. I always want to put the team ahead of me. I don't want to be one of those selfish guys.”
One of the biggest hurdles in trading Luongo would be the other team’s acceptance in taking over his huge contract. He just ended his third season on a mammoth 12-year contract worth $64 million, which could have most team’s stray away right after listening
to that amount.
Luongo has not had much success with the Canucks in terms of playoff performance as he chocked badly in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals against Boston Bruins. He was even worse this year after giving away the first two games to Los Angeles Kings as Canucks were
ousted in just five games.
Being one of the best regular season goalies is one thing, but not being able to keep that momentum going in pressurised situations will not easily attract any bidders on the veteran goalie who maintains a .919 save percentage and 2.52 goals-against average.
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