Canucks Buzz: Re-Sign Schneider or Keep Luongo This Offseason?

The Vancouver Canucks are on the brink of elimination from the 2012 NHL Playoffs. The Los Angeles Kings have relied on superb goaltending and shut-down defense to limit the Canucks to four goals in three playoff games.

Now the focus shifts to the future of the Vancouver Canucks' goaltending.

In Games 1 and 2, Head Coach Alain Vigneault decided to start his veteran goalie Roberto Luongo. Luongo was the best player on the ice in Game 1. He was the only reason the Canucks lost 3-2, and later gave up an empty net goal.

In Games 3 and 4, Cory Schneider is called upon to backstop his team in the critical situation when they visit the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Alain Vigneault said, "We've had great goaltending. Whatever decision I've made would have been the right one. But I'm not getting into the specifics of why Cory is playing tonight."

The last statement by Vigneault foreshadows what is coming in the future.

People may not be fully educated about Roberto Luongo's 12-year contract. Five years into the 12-year deal, the contract allows Luongo to ask for a trade to a new team. The Canucks have agreed to accommodate him if that is his choice. In year seven, the Canucks can choose to trade Luongo despite the no-trade clause they gave him.

Here is a break down of the times:

2014-15, Roberto Luongo, 36, may request a trade out of Vancouver if he wants.

2016-17, Vancouver Canucks may trade Luongo, 38, without a no-trade clause.

Obviously, it is not outside the realm of possibility that the Canucks speak to Roberto Luongo and both sides agree that it is best for the two sides to go in different directions. If that is the case, the Canucks are expected to sign pending restricted free agent, Cory Schneider, to a longer contract extension this summer.

Although Schneider does not have experience as a starting goalie in the NHL yet, he has a very strong record thus far:

Career Games Played (Minutes)	68
Career Wins	38
Career Losses	17
Career OT and Shootout Losses	8
Goals Against Average	2.24
Save %	.928

In the postseason, Cory Schneider has mainly played relief to Roberto Luongo. He posted a goals against average of 2.17 and save percentage of .922.

Age must also play a factor in the Canucks management decision. Cory Schneider is 26 years old in 2012. Roberto Luongo is 33. The Canucks can buy themselves seven extra years of service by going with Cory Schneider now, and in the long run.

One thing to take note is that Roberto Luongo has completed his lowest season win total, 31, since joining the Canucks in 2006. That figure is partially due to the fact that Cory Schneider earned 28 starts in the 2011-2012 regular season, winning 20 games this season.

It's your call now! Who do you want to see as your Canucks starting goaltender in October 2012?