Luongo To Montreal

Wanted!

Amid the chaos of the last two days, trade rumours with a number of teams have come up in regards to misfit; Roberto Luongo.  The question the media seems to not be reporting on is why not bleu blanc rouge?

Aside from the pretentious behaviour, Luongo has some solid backing as being able to handle the job in Montreal, so why no rumors of a move further East than Toronto?

Price has had a mediocre career thus far in Montreal, and his abilities in the future will surely be called into question, as they have always been from his draft day.  How much of the aggressive media/ fans can he handle before a major blow occurs?  Or has it already?  We’ve seen his personality in the past making headlines from ‘The Wave’ to last years ‘Chill’ comments in the pre-season.  Aside from this Carey Price is from British Columbia, home of the Vancouver Canucks.  Roberto Luongo?  Born in Montreal Quebec.  With so much emphasis on homegrown talent from Quebec, it seems as if Luongo fits the traditional Habs checklist of being from Quebec, and Carey fits well in the BC neighbourhood.

Nowadays the Habs seem to be trying to spread their talent across many provinces and nationalities, so based on just being from Montreal Luongo does not quite fit the bill.  However, the guy has a trip to the Stanley Cup Final Game 7, an olympic gold medal, two world championships, a world cup title, and a silver medal at the WJHC.  Now we have something to talk about, Montreal.

This guy is only a couple years removed from almost winning both a Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medal.  Price?  Not so much.  

Luongo carries some baggage with him, which has the potential to be a distraction, but maybe a fresh start on the East coast at home is what he needs.  Surely he can handle the Canadian media, and pressures that come with playing in a city that riots after hockey games.  He’s totally got that covered.

In terms of the current goaltender situation in Montreal, it is still not solid.  Right now with Price between the pipes it’s probably the most stable things have been since Roy left, but that’s really not saying much.  I have supported Price over his time in Montreal, and will continue to support him if he continues on as our starting goalie.  Price = longevity & Luongo represents, quite possibly, winning now.  

At the very least I hope Marc Bergevin looks at this Luongo option with some guts, it’s a risky and career defining move for him as a GM, but after finishing in the East basement maybe a little West coast Gold will solve Montreal woes.  Then again, seeing Price hoist the cup in blue and green would make us all a little blue and green.