The old interweb is alive with reports that Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo has refused to waive his no-trade clause to any place other than his old team, the Florida Panthers.
While it's certainly true Luongo would look kindly on a return to South Florida, and Canucks GM Mike Gillis most certainly knows that, it's far too early in the process to suggest he won't go here or there, with here or there obviously including the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Luongo is a pragmatic, intelligent man. He knows if he wants out of Vancouver, and that's certainly his preference, he can't close the door on too many places because, right now anyway, there aren't too many places that want or can afford him and his contract.
Florida and Toronto appear to have the greatest interest in Luongo, but not so great that either team is at this point willing to meet what they say is a steep asking price from Vancouver.
Florida won't give up a blue-chip prospect and their offer most certainly includes a contract they'd like to get rid of.
The Leafs just think the current asking price is exorbinant and do not consider themselves to be in the mix until it's lowered.
At this point, it sounds as though Gillis is going to be patient and as far as Luongo and his no-trade clause go, that whole process has never really been formalized in terms of where he will or won't go. Luongo was never actually asked to submit an official list of acceptable teams to the Canucks and he hasn't unequivocally ruled out Toronto or any other logical destination at this point, though it's obvious he'd be happy to be a Panther again.
