Luongo breaks silence over move from Vancouver

Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks. Luongo said in an interview with Vancouver radio on his future as trade rumors (including to the Chicago Blackhawks) start.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user vancityallie)

The Vancouver Canucks player Roberto Luongo has addressed speculation as to his future with the team.

Speaking to a radio station in Vancouver, in remarks obtained by the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail, Luongo noted it was unlikely he would stay in Vancouver. “I would never say never. You never know,” Luongo said in the interview. “But I think we all know what’s going on. We’ve all seen what’s developed. At the end of the day, I think it’s time to move on. And I’m okay with that.”

Luongo added that he had enjoyed his time in Vancouver. “I think it’s a wonderful city,” Luongo said. “I really enjoyed my time there. Unfortunately, I was not able to bring a Stanley Cup there, which is probably my biggest regret. But it’ll be remembered for six great years.”

The Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis, according to a report from the Canadian Press, said he is no rush to trade Luongo, whose destinations for trading include the Florida Panthers and the Chicago Blackhawks. “With respect to the possibility of trading Roberto, we’re going to take our time,” Gillis said. “We’re going to make sure we do the right thing for this organization.”

Gillis added however that finances and the fiscal terms surrounding players contracts would not influence his decision on whether to trade Luongo. “When a player steps on the ice, the money doesn’t matter,” Gillis said. “I could care less about the money. I care about having the best team and the most competitive team. I think we’ve done pretty well with that approach.”

Luongo joined the Canucks after being traded from Florida in 2006. He was one of the players that worked during the Canucks’ quest to the Stanley Cup in 2011. However, the Boston Bruins defeated the Canucks in Game 7 of the finals.