Luongo to the Leafs a Done Deal?

If you believe several media members, Roberto Luongo to the Leafs is pretty much a done deal. Sportsnets John Shannon is reporting the deal has been negotiated, and both sides are simply waiting on the new CBA to be completed. Shannon says a very good source told him this news, but he doesn't know the details. Although the reported asking price may include defenseman Jake Gardiner. Gardiner, as far as previous reports on Burke are concerned, has been a non starting point in many trade talks for the Leafs. It will be interesting to see if that remained true. Personally, I believe dealing the sophomore D man would be a big mistake. Regardless of Luongos accomplishments, quality, young defenseman like Gardiner are difficult to replace. And adding Morgan Rielly in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft does not change that.

To add to the rumour mill, Bill Waters on the Fan590 tonight stated the Leafs will acquire a goaltender at the conclusion of the lockout, as well. Waters however, was not committal on who that goaltender is. But, you can conclude based on the numerous rumblings that can't but help themselves to surface, the goalie in question is Luongo.

Now don't get me wrong, Luongo is a fantastic goalie, and would definitely help the Leafs. He may even be good enough to get them into playoff contention, all on his own. But, is he worth the reported asking price Canucks GM Mike Gillis is apparently demanding? According to Damien Cox from earlier this summer, Gillis asked for four pieces from the Leafs. The four pieces included three (young) roster players from last years team, being Bozak, Frattin, Gardiner and, a future 1st round pick. Two pieces in that asking price are non starters for me (and should be for Burke). Obviously Gardiner, and almost just as important, the 1st round pick. Bozak and Frattin are one thing. Bozak being a "free wallet", cost the Leafs nothing to obtain. And Frattin, was a later round pick, who's upside still may only be that of a third line checking winger. His upside is still decent. Those are two decent, depth forwards who add to an already fairly deep forward group in Vancouver. I could see throwing in another pick, that isn't in the first round. But the baggage that comes with Luongo, the fact Toronto isn't his preferred destination, and his contract status makes him a bit of a risk, himself.

This may be nothing. Smoke, no fire. This may also be parts truth, because Burke has the opportunity to plug a serious weak spot on the roster. I'm just not convinced Burke has relented on giving up Gardiner, or high draft picks to address the goaltending issue.

I'm a nobody who writes for no one, and no reason but my own amusement. If you like what you read, follow me on twitter @LeafErikson