5 Most Likely Teams To Land a Vancouver Canucks Goalie

Ever since Sidney Crosby got cleared for contact, the Vancouver Canuck goalie situation seems to have been the most talked-about subject.  

Despite Luongo's yearly abysmal October, his playoff woes and his current injury, the fact remains that the Canucks currently have two starting goalies on their roster.  

Luongo was brought in as the go-to guy, in the summer prior to the '06/07 season.  Since then, he has gradually lost fan support—and the superb play of Cory Schneider hasn't helped Luongo's case. 

Last season, Schneider's 16-4-2 record, .929 save percentage and Luongo's inconsistent playoff performance officially put a question mark over the Canucks net.  

It still remains unclear who the Canucks will choose, but one thing is certain: The choice does have to be made, and it will likely be this season.  

The following is a list of the most likely teams to trade for the Canucks' "reject." 

5. Columbus Blue Jackets

There is no question about how atrocious the Blue Jackets' overall performance and goaltending has been this season.  

While Steve Mason's numbers suggest a change needs to be made, he is still just 23 years old and has plenty of time to turn his career around.  The Blue Jackets would hate to give up on him now, but with the worst goaltending in the league this season, they may not have a choice.  

(Note: The Jackets traded a No. 1 draft pick in order to acquire Jeff Carter, and they likely won't be willing to give up any more high picks.)

Trade Could Involve: Jeff Carter (rumor coming out today, although denied, was that he had requested a trade.)

4. Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators, despite all predictions, have actually managed to produce some offense this season.  

It's their goaltending that is raising concern early.  At fourth last in the NHL for GA/G, fans are beginning to wonder if Craig Anderson is the guy.  

After a sub-par performance with the Avalanche last season, Anderson was traded to Ottawa, where he was almost unbeatable.  Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to carry his late-season success over into this year, posting an .895 save percentage thus far.  

Anderson was picked up to bring consistency to the rebuilding Senators, but has been unable to deliver, and it may be time to bring a new face in.  

(Note: The Senators have the most cap space on this list)

Trade Could Involve: Daniel Alfredsson

3. Florida Panthers

The Panthers went through a major makeover this offseason.  They no longer have an elite goaltender after losing Tomas Vokoun, and for the first time in years are actually getting offensive production (mostly from new additions).  

If the season ended today, the Panthers would be in the playoffs—something they haven't done since before the lockout.  Unfortunately, the season isn't even close to over and tons can change.  

After a good start to the season, many would argue that Jacob Markstrom is the man for the job, but with just six NHL games under his belt, he still has lots to prove.  

If the Panthers want to have a good chance at remaining among the top eight in the East, it would be a good idea to bring in some better goaltending.  

(Note: Luongo's wife is from Florida, where Luongo spent five seasons and lives in the summer.)

(Note: Vancouver and Florida have commonly been trade partners since the lockout.)

Trade Could Involve: Stephen Weiss

2. New Jersey Devils

When the Devils signed Ilya Kovalchuk to a 15-year, $100 million deal, they had winning in mind. 

Needless to say, last season was a big letdown.  They've performed better so far this season, but still aren't at the level they'd like to be.  

There are two clear reasons why the Devils haven't been able to put it together: long-term injuries (Zach Parise last year and Travis Zajac this year), and poor goaltending.  

It appears that Martin Brodeur's glory years are behind him, and with Johan Hedberg nearing the end of his career as well, the Devils are going to have to look elsewhere.  

(Note: Both Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg are on the wrong side of 37.)

Trade Could Involve: Zach Parise

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have an enormous amount of talent up front, and will likely be in the playoffs for years to come.  

The problem is that they are heavily relying on the oldest player in the league.  When Dwayne Roloson was brought in last year, he played incredible hockey and was their most valuable player in the playoffs.  

Roloson hasn't been able to continue that level of play into this season, and his future in the league is short.  

The Lightning need a younger goaltender in order to bring them success for years to come.  

(Note: As mentioned earlier, Luongo lives in Florida in the summer with his wife, where she is from.)

Trade Could Involve: Vincent Lecavalier