NHL Trade Rumors: Roberto Luongo Will Waive NMC If Asked

Roberto Luongo will waive his NMC (no-movement clause) is he asked to do so by Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis, so let the rumors begin.

It was speculated that the Canucks were going to attempt to trade Luongo after team brass put faith in Cory Schneider. By starting the budding netminder in Games 3,4 and 5, it was clear that Schneider was the keeper of the future.

These tweets help summarize the current situation.

Luongo said he understands if Canucks want to go fwd with 35. If he was GM,he'd probably do the same

— Jason Botchford (@botchford) April 24, 2012

Roberto Luongo tells Vancouver reporters he will waive his no-trade if asked.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 24, 2012

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Roberto Luongo is willing to waive his no-trade clause...in the face of Leafs GM Brian Burke if he tries to acquire him.

— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) April 24, 2012

Luongo may be willing to waive his NMC but will someone be willing to add on his salary? The Globe and Mail report broke down Luongo's financial situation.

Luongo's contract has six years left at $6.7 million in actual dollars out, and then it falls off the cliff after that in the final four ($3.4 million, $1.6 million, and two final years at $1 million).

With Vancouver seeking to find a trading partner, the question becomes whether or not they will find one before July 1st, when Schneider becomes offer-sheet eligible? It is clear they want to keep Schneider, but they may not be able to.

Due to the Canucks' financial situation, if a high enough offer sheet is filed, they may not be able to match it. Thus, they would lose Schneider and be stuck with Luongo. 

Here are some teams in search of a No. 1 goaltender that could be interested in either Luongo or Schneider.

• Chicago Blackhawks

• Columbus Blue Jackets

• Florida Panthers

• Tampa Bay Lightning

• Toronto Maple Leafs

With Luongo now officially in play, it will be interesting to see which teams emerge as potential suitors and whether or not Vancouver will find a partner in time.

Schneider is clearly the future, but ultimately he has more trade value and could still be swooped up with a hefty offer sheet. 

With $9.2 million in projected cap space and only 17 players signed through next season, things could become dicey if a trading partner is not found.