BY ADAM DESLOGES – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
Extra, extra the NHL is back! The shortened season got underway on Saturday and people have their fix of hockey. With the solid goaltending by Ben Scrivens in the first two games it comes as no surprise that the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t traded for Roberto Luongo and I don’t believe they will. They should, however, go after a pretty solid crop of unrestricted free agents in July, 2013.
Why would the Leafs give up a good young crop of kids for an aging goalie? The Leafs will eventually figure out their goalie situation, but it will not and should not come at the expense of the team’s youth. Besides the Canucks would be smart to keep him during the shortened season and buy him out in the summer.
Vancouver’s slow start should be a reminder that having a one-two punch in net is a benefit if they hope to make the postseason. Although speculations of late have the Canucks saying there’s a trade imminent involving Luongo. My guess is he’s going back to Florida where his wife is from or to the Flyers where he stands a pretty good chance of winning the Stanley Cup.
After Luongo is traded and he’s not a Leaf, they can set their sights on the free agency market and look at players who may be available this summer. Unfortunately, the five-year deal handed to Joffrey Lupul, may hinder luring a big name to Toronto.
If they are still available this summer, the Leafs can go after one of these five unrestricted free agents:
1. Corey Perry of the Ducks (UFA 2013-14)
2. Ryan Getzlaf of the Ducks (UFA 2013-14)
3. Wojtek Wolski of the Capitals (UFA 2013-14)
4. Dustin Penner of the Kings (UFA 2013-14)
5. Jamie Langenbrunner of the Devils (UFA 2013-14)
Who would you like to see the Leafs go after?
Adam has spent the majority of his life involved in hockey whether as a player, coach or referee. He has coached at all levels and divisions and has even coached in Graz, Austria. Adam has worked at numerous hockey camps including Vladislav Tretiak’s Elite School of Goaltending. He has coached throughout Ontario, Edmonton and with Hockey Canada’s Under 17 Program of Excellence. Adam has coached and played with a number of today’s NHLers such as Steve Sullivan (Phoenix Coyotes), Evgeni Nabokov (New York Islanders) and Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes). You can also follow Adam on twitter @AdamOnHockey
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