Vegas
03-08-2006, 09:39 PM
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5390042
f the rumors are true, the Los Angeles Kings are close to acquiring world-class goaltender Roberto Luongo from the Florida Panthers. Speculation has the Kings feverishly working on a blockbuster deal to land Luongo for goalie Mathieu Garon and a package of players. The trade is one of many in the works as the National Hockey League's annual trade deadline approaches at 3 p.m. ET Thursday. The Luongo deal, which surfaced last weekend in the Los Angeles Times, has the potential to elevate the Kings to one of the league's elite teams as they prepare for the Stanley Cup playoffs. That's a place Luongo probably wouldn't have experienced this season, given the disappointing year the Panthers have had.
Despite the published reports, which cite a league source, Florida GM Mike Keenan denies that a deal is in the works. In fact, Keenan described it as "not at all on the table."
"I haven't had discussions with anyone regarding Roberto," said Keenan. "Our hope is we get Roberto signed. That's what we felt in January and we feel the same."
Kings coach Andy Murray, meanwhile, also downplayed the report. He told the Times, "It's fine to say we've 'inquired,' but (not) to say we're 'dealing' for him."
What brings credence to the rumors is Luongo's season-long battle with Keenan over a new contract. He recently turned down a five-year, $30 million offer from Keenan, saying he wanted to wait to see how serious the Panthers were about building a winning franchise before signing.
Luongo's agent, Gilles Lupien said, "I'm not surprised," when told of the rumor. "There must be 29 teams asking about Roberto." When asked if he thought the possibility of a trade was serious, Lupien said, "It could be."
Luongo, 26, is considered one of the league's premier goaltenders. Garon, 27, has had his problems with consistency this season. He is earning $1.2 million this season and, after a solid December, struggled mightily in January. He gave up an average of four goals per game in his last 14 outings going into this week.
The Kings will have the money to sign Luongo to a lucrative long-term contract if they can make a deal because veteran forwards Jeremy Roenick — who makes close to $5 million — and Luc Robitaille — who makes $1 million — won't be around after this season. The Kings currently are $4 million under the cap.
The reason why many believe the Panthers will deal Luongo is the status of star forward Olli Jokinen, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Luongo has said all along that his re-signing with the Panthers is directly tied to Florida re-signing Jokinen. That looks as if it won't happen.
The Kings, meanwhile, are looking to position themselves for a serious run at the Cup. They have reportedly been in discussions with Washington about veteran defenseman Brendan Witt, who earlier this year asked to be traded. They have offered prospects in return.
On Monday, Los Angeles signed captain Mattias Norstrom to a two-year contract extension. Norstrom, 34, has been with the Kings for 11 seasons.
"He is all about substance, character and determination," said Murray.
f the rumors are true, the Los Angeles Kings are close to acquiring world-class goaltender Roberto Luongo from the Florida Panthers. Speculation has the Kings feverishly working on a blockbuster deal to land Luongo for goalie Mathieu Garon and a package of players. The trade is one of many in the works as the National Hockey League's annual trade deadline approaches at 3 p.m. ET Thursday. The Luongo deal, which surfaced last weekend in the Los Angeles Times, has the potential to elevate the Kings to one of the league's elite teams as they prepare for the Stanley Cup playoffs. That's a place Luongo probably wouldn't have experienced this season, given the disappointing year the Panthers have had.
Despite the published reports, which cite a league source, Florida GM Mike Keenan denies that a deal is in the works. In fact, Keenan described it as "not at all on the table."
"I haven't had discussions with anyone regarding Roberto," said Keenan. "Our hope is we get Roberto signed. That's what we felt in January and we feel the same."
Kings coach Andy Murray, meanwhile, also downplayed the report. He told the Times, "It's fine to say we've 'inquired,' but (not) to say we're 'dealing' for him."
What brings credence to the rumors is Luongo's season-long battle with Keenan over a new contract. He recently turned down a five-year, $30 million offer from Keenan, saying he wanted to wait to see how serious the Panthers were about building a winning franchise before signing.
Luongo's agent, Gilles Lupien said, "I'm not surprised," when told of the rumor. "There must be 29 teams asking about Roberto." When asked if he thought the possibility of a trade was serious, Lupien said, "It could be."
Luongo, 26, is considered one of the league's premier goaltenders. Garon, 27, has had his problems with consistency this season. He is earning $1.2 million this season and, after a solid December, struggled mightily in January. He gave up an average of four goals per game in his last 14 outings going into this week.
The Kings will have the money to sign Luongo to a lucrative long-term contract if they can make a deal because veteran forwards Jeremy Roenick — who makes close to $5 million — and Luc Robitaille — who makes $1 million — won't be around after this season. The Kings currently are $4 million under the cap.
The reason why many believe the Panthers will deal Luongo is the status of star forward Olli Jokinen, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Luongo has said all along that his re-signing with the Panthers is directly tied to Florida re-signing Jokinen. That looks as if it won't happen.
The Kings, meanwhile, are looking to position themselves for a serious run at the Cup. They have reportedly been in discussions with Washington about veteran defenseman Brendan Witt, who earlier this year asked to be traded. They have offered prospects in return.
On Monday, Los Angeles signed captain Mattias Norstrom to a two-year contract extension. Norstrom, 34, has been with the Kings for 11 seasons.
"He is all about substance, character and determination," said Murray.