Going out on a limb…
Ever since the Canucks were ousted from the playoffs by the LA Kings this April, there has been a significant amount of chatter about the state of the franchise and the always contentious starting goaltender debate.
Both goalies have merited the right to continue being a Canuck, both have faults and question marks surrounding their game and both have good results based on how the team in front of them plays.
Cory Schneider is the blue-chip, up and comer who has never started more than 30 games at the NHL level. Clouds of doubt surround his ability to start and play in 55 to 65 games.
Roberto Luongo has the regular season success, but is a notoriously slow starter and for every jaw dropping save, there is a cringe worthy soft goal.
After he submitted his list of trade worthy teams, he seems the likely choice for a change of address.
My opinion, lose both Lu and Schneidz.
Move Luongo and the Canucks drop the largest salary in franchise history. Freeing up enough cash to go after any of the available free-agents in the NHL.
Schneider is widely considered the best trade prospect in the league.
"Yo Lu, What did he just say?" "Je ne sais pas qu'il est fou!"
Canucks GM Mike Gillis can ship Schneider to anywhere for anyone. Consider this; Schneider is also due a significant pay raise this off-season, moving him will also help free up much needed cap space.
This bold move would seemingly leave the Nucks net empty, except for the fact that they have one of the finest goalies in the AHL in Eddie Lack.
According to Canucks brass and Lack’s current coach Craig MacTavish, he is ready for the big club now.
The Canucks could bring in a veteran goalie to help ease the workload and show the young Lack the ropes of being a professional hockey player.
For the record there are a number of tenders that could fit this bill, most likely Jose Theodore, Tomas Vokoun, or even ex-Canuck Alex Auld.
So embrace change, make a huge splash when it’s not expected, listen to all those Wall Street execs and sell high.
The time will never be better to make a more sudden impact.
Nice to meet you Mr. Nash. Welcome home Mr. Weber.
Cheers – The Bartender
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