- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Roberto Luongo said this morning that he has given Canucks GM Mike Gillis “the green light” to do what is best for the Canucks. Luongo on the Maple Leafs,
“I have a lot of respect for Toronto, Brian Burke and the Leafs,” Luongo said after a 90-minute workout with former Leafs goalie goal and long time mentor, Francois Allaire. “They are obviously part of the equation, there’s no denying that. But there’s a lot of things that can happen. I want to make sure I’m aware of the possibilities.”
Luongo on the trade rumors that will follow him to training camp and beyond,
“I’m open to a lot of ideas right now,” Luongo said. “I don’t want to corner myself, especially since I might have to start the season in Vancouver or play the whole season there. Who knows.”
“It’s a process,” Luongo said. “I told Mike I gave him the green light to do whatever he needs to do that’s best for the team. Whatever that is, how much time that will be, I don’t know.
“I’m prepared right now to go up to Vancouver and start training camp. Unless Mike tells me otherwise, I’m ready to go, I’m excited. I miss being around the guys.”
Luongo wouldn’t have a problem playing in Toronto,
“We all know what expectations are in the Canadian markets,” Luongo said. “It’s not something that would be new to me. It’s something I can handle.”
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman was in Toronto last week, and he allegedly went to a Marlies game. The Canucks are thought to be interested in Tyler Bozak and two other pieces. Nazem Kadri could be one of the pieces they are interested in.
“There’s going to be a lot of (trade) activity once the deal gets ratified and teams try to plan. We’ll see what comes our way,” Gillis told Vancouver reporters on Sunday.
A Vancouver source said that the Canucks want to study the new CBA before making a final decision on Luongo. Gilman does expect Luongo to be at the Canucks training camp when it opens.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Luongo said that teams other than the Maple Leafs are also in the mix.
- Steve Simmons via twitter: Until the Panthers tell the Canucks that they are not interested in Luongo, he won’t approve a trade to go anywhere else.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: There have been no substantive talks between the Maple Leafs and Canucks regarding Luongo since September, so there would be some work for both sides to do.
- Farhan Lalji via twitter: Assuming he’s not traded, Luongo said he’ll head back to Vancouver at the end of the week.