Roberto Luongo: 5 Possible Destinations

With the recent comments that Roberto Luongo would be willing to waive his no trade clause if Vancouver was willing to deal him, the question must be asked: Where might he go?

Luongo's contract is signed through the 2021-22 season, so any team that takes a chance on him better be able to throw some serious coin into the mix.

For the Canucks, it probably is the smart move to get rid of him, Cory Schneider had a phenomenal year and won't be half the contract hit that Luongo will be. As of now, Schneider is only making $900,000; however, he is a restricted free agent and if he becomes the starter then there will obviously be a contract negotiation.

From winning the President's Cup to getting ousted in the first round by the surprising Los Angeles Kings, there will definitely be changes in the offseason to prepare for next year.

1. Chicago Blackhawks

In my mind, this is the best fit; however, cap issues might eventually be a problem. Ask Blackhawks fans why they lost in the first round, and I'm sure the majority of them will say Corey Crawford.

If you put Roberto Luongo onto a roster with the proven potential to win the Stanley Cup, they automatically become serious contenders as soon as the puck drops for the 2012-13 season.

Chicago currently has just under $4 million left under the cap, so they may have to get rid of a player like Dave Bolland (he's making 3.4 million a year) and a draft pick or two, but with Luongo between the pipes the Hawks could see themselves in the finals again as soon as next year.

2. Colorado Avalanche

The Avs are a young team that have yet to fill the void in between the pipes ever since the departure of Patrick Roy. They have recently tried to find some life in former Capitals goaltender Semyon Varlamov and former Ducks standout J.S. Giguere, but with no luck.

Colorado has some of the best young talent in the league. When you look at a roster filled with the likes of Paul Stastny, Gabriel Landeskog and Matt Duchene, there is no doubt that this team could be very good, very soon.

Adding Luongo to the mix makes this team a serious threat in the West for the next few years. They may have to give up a few prospects, and/or some draft picks, but I think Luongo would make a big difference if he called the Pepsi Center home.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

Dwayne Roloson's contract expires this year and he turns 73 in October (just kidding, he'll only be 43 years young). So retirement is the most likely scenario for Roly.

I don't believe that Tampa thinks backup Mathieu Garon is going to be the guy to take them back to the playoffs, so I have to think that Luongo going to Tampa is a serious possibility. They have the cap space to afford his contract, and the talent to make a serious run in the postseason.

Don't be surprised if Luongo is wearing a lightning bolt next season.

Side note: How terrifying is Roloson's photo? 

4. Columbus Blue Jackets

The hardest part about this move happening would be who Columbus would have to give up in order to get Luongo. Dare I say that there could be a Rick Nash for Roberto Luongo trade straight up?

If Columbus acquired Luongo they would still have some work to do before they could be taken seriously in the Western Conference, as they are also in arguably the hardest division in the West as well.

But it would definitely be a good start, because Steve Mason has been awful, and definitely not worth the $2.9 million a year he is making.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto finished 13th in the Eastern Conference this year with a minus-33 on the season. Neither James Reimer nor Jonas Gustavsson were able to be sturdy in between the pipes, and Luongo would definitely help fill that void.

The Maple Leafs have an abundance of talent, and may be a goaltender away from making the postseason. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Phil Kessel would not mind if Luongo were to suit up for Toronto in the 2012-13 season.