Like Tant, I can't imagine the Capitals are so set on Holtby and Neuvirth that they have no interest in Luongo. Maybe since Holtby was good in the playoffs and has been good in the minors, they have more faith in him than say Toronto has in Reimer. But I'd be surprised if they weren't at least somewhat in the Luongo talks.dbr wrote:I would bet Gillis is pushing for John Carlson like he did when shopping Hodgson.. Or if he is asking for a centre like many have speculated the Caps might have decided they don't have the organizational depth (just Backstrom and Johannsen after this season if I'm not mistaken) to make a serious push.
But then again maybe they are interested and are keeping a low profile. I'm sure that couldn't hurt their chances when dealing with Mike Gillis.
As for Washington's C depth, I think they're pretty deep even if Ribero doesn't re-up since Laich is a C who can play wing that is likely going to flank one of the top two lines. Then M. Perrault is their 4th line C, and he's locked up for a couple more years.
Then you have prospects like Filip Forsberg, Stoa and Sjogren the Caps are very to somewhat high on that can all play C.
Now, I'm not sure the Caps would even move Johansson in a trade for Luongo, but that would obviously be the main target. But they also have a winger prospect named Tom Wilson that I really like. A big power forward with a mean streak and a right handed shot.
As for defence, I don't think Carlson is going anywhere, but Karl Alzner is RFA and the caps might not be as reluctant to move him.
Also, thanks HW for the update in the Burke thread, I actually found the bit about MG being willing to add something other than Luongo to get a better deal to be important new information.
Given the rumor that Gillis is asking for the moon for Luo, it seems that MG is set dead straight on acquiring a top prospect/young player or two.
I don't think Gillis will include someone like Kassian, Gaunce, Jensen, Tanev or Corrado, but I wouldn't in the least be surprised if Connauton and/or any other Canucks prospect or draft picks were added in order for the Canucks to land a stud prospect/young player who can be groomed to be a front-line forward or a premiere defenseman.
The Luongo deal might be the only chance the Canucks have to add a budding star player unless they decide to move another major core piece, so having to sweeten the pot a bit to get something great is only prudent.