CrashingTheGoalie

by Ron Spence

We’re told that Roberto should have his contract extended over the next couple of weeks.

How much should/will the Canucks pay Luongo?

Do they undermine the bank and pay him as much as Henrik Lundqvist? The Rangers’ netminder has been making an average of $6,875,000 per season?

Do they try and pay him what other goalies – who believe in their team first – are being paid? 

New Jersey’s Marty Brodeur is averaging only $5,200,000 per season, while Stanley Cup winner Marc-Andre Fleury signed for an average of $5,000,000 per campaign.

Or is Roberto to be paid what a comparable netminder is making – Tomas Vokoun, who’s banking $5,700,000 per season?

Do the Canucks pay him as much as the Sedins are receiving – $6,100,000 per season? 

CAREER

Luongo isn’t the NHL’s best goalie, but his numbers are up there.

He leads the NHL’s current goalies with a .9191 career save percentage average, and is second only to Dominik Hasek – .9223 – in all time save percentage.

His career goals against average isn’t that great – 2.569 – but he’s averaged 2.34 goals per game in his three years with the ‘nucks.

CAREER

courtesy of Hockey-Reference.com

This past season wasn’t Roberto’s best. He was 5th in both goals against, and save percentage. 

2008-09 REGULAR SEASON

courtesy of nhl.com

When most critics evaluate Luongo, however, it’s the post-season that they look at – not his regular seasons’ stats.

And, Roberto has only appeared in a total of 4 playoff series in two of his nine seasons – only 22 games.

Unfortunately, his lack of post-season experience has translated into inconsistent play.

*****

So, how much does Roberto want?

It really comes down to how he sees himself, and his career. 

Does he want to gobble up a large chunk of Vancouver’s cash and see the talent level fall off after Henrik, Daniel and a few other teammates are paid?

Or does he want to win a Cup – or two?

My belief?

He’ll sign for a little more than the twins over a comparable period of time – 5 years. This would be $1,400,000 – or so – less than he’s scheduled to make this season.

And Gillis will talk Roberto into taking less over the next couple of seasons – when the cap should go down some 10 to 15% – and top things up during the last three years of his contract.