Florida and Vancouver swap Roberto Luongo for Todd Bertuzzi
WOW! Talk about pre-draft blockbusters! The Florida Panthers have shipped goalie Roberto Luongo to Vancouver in exchange for power forward Todd Bertuzzi! Florida also traded Lukas Krajicek and their 2006 6th round pick and received Bryan Allen and goaltender Alexander Auld from Vancouver. A five player deal!
Luongo has been rumored to be on the block all season, and speculation really heated up this week when the L.A. Kings made a pitch for the goalie. The Canucks have been looking to dump Bertuzzi and his baggage for some time, and also were in dire need of #1 goalie (no offense Dan). Bertuzzi flourished under Keenan's eye in Vancouver and should fit in nicely with the Panthers, as well as playing in the East, he can remove himself from some of the controversy that follows him after his cheap shot on Steve Moore that ended the player's career.
I think this is a terrific trade for all parties. Vancouver gets a superior goaltender. Luongo gets traded to a potential contender. Bertuzzi gets a fresh start, and Florida gets a great power forward, if he can find his pre-lockout game again.
The only question is will Vancouver's GM Dave Nonis be able to sign Luongo to a long-term contract and make him the mainstay between the pipes. He can also move Dan Cloutier to free up salary cap room as well as fill other needs throughout his club.
Rod Brind'Amour signs a five year deal with the Hurricanes
Busy day. Selke Trophy, and Stanley Cup Winner Rod Brind'Amour just signed a five year deal with the Hurricanes worth $18 million. Not a bad way to wrap up the 2005-2006 campaign. The 35 year old centre will be in Red till he is 40 years old.
Pronger to be dealt today?
Rumors are abound that Chris Pronger of the Oilers has requested a trade. Kevin Lowe has called bravo sierra on this one, but even he can't deny the legs this story has. It started somewhere. I guess we'll find out later today.
2006 NHL Entry Draft
I can't really give you much on the draft, because unfortunatley, minor league hockey doesn't get it's due coverage here in Central Jersey (sometimes I feel the NHL doesn't here either, but that's a whole other story). TSN.ca has a terrific rundown on the top 30 picks, that I've been checking out. If you want to learn more about the draft and the potential players to be picked check this out. There is also a terrific breakdown by TSN Analyst Bob McKenzie, that you can check out here.
Here is the first round draft order:
1. St. Louis
2. Pittsburgh
3. Chicago
4. Washington
5. Boston
6. Columbus
7. N.Y. Islanders
8. Phoenix
9. Minnesota
10. Florida
11. Los Angeles
12. Atlanta
13. Toronto
14. Vancouver
15. Tampa Bay
16. Montreal
17. Minnesota (from Edmonton)
18. Colorado
19. Anaheim
20. San Jose
21. N.Y. Rangers
22. Philadelphia
23. Washington (from Nashville)
24. Buffalo
25. New Jersey
26. Calgary
27. Dallas
28. Ottawa
29. Detroit
30. St. Louis (from Carolina)
The 2006 NHL Entry Draft is tonight at 6 PM! See you there!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Crazy, crazy trade. Was expecting Luongo to leave, but not for Bertuzzi. Florida had a fairly strong finish to the season, but is Alex Auld ready to be the number one dude? I dunno, I'm asking. Regardless, I expect better numbers for Bertuzzi and I think Vancouver's got no more excuses now. Luongo is the man. Very interested to see how this plays out next year.
Can't believe Pronger would ask to be traded after the postseason he and the Oilers just had. I've also read Peca could be gone. Oh well. Was fun while it lasted. And by "fun" I mean fun watching them lose to the Canes.
Speaking of, there's a rumor they'll make a trade with Pittsburgh to get Jordan Staal with the 2nd pick. Apparently, the player in question is their great defensive prospect Jack Johnson. I'd love to see this kid in Pittsburgh and another Staal in Carolina could be fun. Hope it happens. Guess we'll know tomorrow.
Aside from the shaving, there is no more offseason!
Posted by: Playoff Moustache | June 24, 2006 12:09 AM
Where's bosh gone?
Posted by: jeff | June 26, 2006 05:13 PM
He probably shaved.
Posted by: Playoff Moustache | June 26, 2006 09:30 PM
Sorry gang! No internet for two days! I've been climbing the walls!
Posted by: Captbosh | June 27, 2006 09:49 AM