Panthers prepare for Luongo

[arrivingfern57]

I'd be interested to see how South Florida Hockey fans would see this. I remember being at Bank Atlantic Center when Markstrom was sent down to the AHL. Needless to say the fans behind me had some interesting comments about how it was the wrong decision to send him down back then.

[Wickabee]

Oh I see, it's not that dramatic afterall.

He still isn't head to Flr though lol. Doesn't Columbus need a high profile? NYI where he started? Heck I could even see him in Toronto.

Good Luck Bab

Well, even though he's said he'll waive hise NTC, I don't think he'll agree to go to Columbus. The Islanders need a goalie, but they've apparently shown no interest at all. Rumour about Toronto is that everyone is telling Burke to get Luongo now, but Burke is worried taking on his front-loaded contract will make him a hypocrite and Florida has two plans for next season. 1 includes Luongo and the other doesn't.

[MatsSundin13Rocks]

The Leafs should have one plan and that is to get Luongo! Burke shot himself in the foot with his comments about not making offer sheets and not doing long term contracts! How is he going to get players like Getzlaf to come to Toronto or Kessel to stay in Toronto without offering up crazy long term contracts?

The Leafs should offer up Bozak, Franson, and a prospect or 2nd round pick for Luongo.

[Wickabee]

...and Dan Ellis makes himself a minor part of the Luongo saga:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-pu...8651--nhl.html

Dan Ellis emails reporter to ask for Roberto Luongo’s job with Canucks

By Greg Wyshynski








Dan Ellis needs a job.

He's an unrestricted free agent goalie from the Anaheim Ducks, looking at 30 teams that by and large have their netminding set for next season. Europe is an option; but he'd rather stay in the National Hockey League.

The Vancouver Canucks could, in theory, have a job opening soon when Roberto Luongo is traded.

So Ellis did what any proactive job seeker in this economy would do: He got creative.
Ellis emailed Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province "to trumpet how good a fit he would be as a backup to Cory Schneider next NHL season," and the resulting article lobbies the Canucks to consider Ellis as a viable goaltending option once Luongo leaves.
From the Province:

"I would love to back up Cory if the spot becomes available," Ellis said in the email. "Helping young goalies get to their full potential is fun to be a part of. Sometimes just lightening their load makes all the difference in the world."

… "I understand my role. I knew Hiller was the guy. Rather than trying to steal the net, you try to provide minutes but help your partner be the best he can be. It's a different dynamic, but when the role is clarified, it's a lot easier.

"The 1A and 1B can change and there's a different mindset and every single game you don't know what's going to happen. Knowing Pekka and Jonas [were starters] you're able to adapt to that and manage your game."

So does Kuzma got a finder's fee if this thing goes down?

The tough part for Ellis: Conventional wisdom is that the Florida Panthers will ship a goaltender — perhaps Jose Theodore — back to the Canucks in a deal for Luongo.

But kudos to Ellis for being proactive … and for choosing an electronic medium that doesn't make him come off as an oblivious millionaire.

I actually kind of like this. I'm not the biggest Dan Ellis fan, but he's a competent back-up and has the experience to be able to help Schneider out as a bit of a mentor. Now I really hope Vancouver focuses on getting a center and prospect(s) and doesn't worry about getting a goalie, like Theodore, in return for Luongo.

[centrehice]

What a great attitude and what a great way to sell yourself, good for Ellis. In job interviews, always ask for the job.

Never be afraid to say.... "I want the job"

[Wickabee]

It shows he wants to play, he wants the mentoring role and he wants to be a part of the Canucks. I'd rather have a so-so guy who wants to be there than an all-star who doesn't.

[Wickabee]

The only report I can give you is that Canucks have begun removing all Luongo advertisement at Rogers Area. For Canucks fan, if you are familiar with the 2 banners on each end of the ice, the new one does not feature Luongo any more. They begun to do that with the exterior as well.

It's a matter of when he gets moved now.

I don't know about the inside, but the outside still, as of today, has at least 4 Luongo posters still hanging. Looks like the same amount as I saw back in April.