Just to chime in on Gillis fiasco dealing with Luongo:
MG: "We decided to create a culture that was borne out of science," Gillis said of Vancouver's solution to the travel challenge facing west-coast franchises.
"
Science? come on...
Gillis shared an interesting sports science note about Luongo, a surefire Hall of Famer. The recently retired netminder dealt with "a degree of performance anxiety" and, based off his hormone levels, the club would notice him go through "almost a physical change" ahead of certain games.
"We were always trying to figure out a way to get him over that hurdle," Gillis said. "We went to a lot of different places and talked to a lot of different people ... He's a really sensitive guy with a great sense of humor, and his sense of humor would go away and his sensitivity would increase."
On several occasions Friday, Gillis mentioned that leaders are made, not born.
Gillis knew he was a emotional guy, yet....
A good read on how Mike Gillis threw out two franchise goalies and his inability to handle the goalie situation:
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/gauging ... ing-luongo
2012 playoffs after two President trophies:
Charron: "And, come on. Has Luongo been the problem for the team? With 65 shots against and just 4 goals, to be even in this series, you’re counting on your goaltender to have a .938 save percentage just to be tied through two games. Luongo’s even strength save percentage is at .951, his problems resulting from poor goal support, five-on-five defence and an atrocious powerplay."
Nonetheless, head coach Alain Vigneault (whose goaltending decisions necessitated Gillis’ input) opted for Schneider in game 3 despite insisting that “being down 2-0 is not a reflection of the goaltending we’ve had“.
A week later, the Canucks were out of the playoffs and Schneider assumed the role of number one goaltender (signing a 3 year/$12M extension on June 29).
Then Gillis made a mockery of Lu and mishandling the situation again after that. They lost in the playoffs and MG said:
After being swept in four games, Gillis declared it “unlikely” that Luongo would be back,
....7 weeks later - Trades Schneider! lol
Luongo shocked obviously after Gillis made it abundantly clear Luongo was not his man.....but the new CBA changed his opinion:
When did Mike Gillis know he was trading goalie Cory Schneider rather than Roberto Luongo?
“Right after the CBA was ratified,” MG said.
and so MG got the owners to meet Lu - as Gillis is a pussy and knew Lu probably hated his guts at this point...
Duthie: Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini came to Luongo's house in Florida and told him about the Schneider trade moments before it was announced.
He came back and Torts sits him out the heritage classic, boom he's done - two days later traded
Luongo: "I thought my contract was untradeable. Just when I was starting to let my guard down, the trade happens. Go figure.
MG done in Vancouver shortly after.