The Crazy Canucks Podcast

I recall an episode we recorded awhile back when the joke was to call the Canucks the “Vancouver Luongos” from now on, simply because of two facts: Luongo is an amazing goalie, and so much of the team rests, certainly in the fans’ eyes, on him.

Now, in the event that you haven’t been paying attention, our beloved captain of the team, Roberto Luongo, has pretty much sealed his fate with the Vancouver Canucks by signing a $64 million contract that will keep him with this club until 2022.

After this final year of his existing contract, the 12-year deal kicks in with a front loaded $10 million in the first year while cruising around $6 million for the next seven.

I’ve said it before in the podcast, but these deals are tough to be a fan of.

We’re seeing it already with the New York Islanders and Rick DiPietro having chronic issues with injuries. That long-term deal was done to cement a solid man in that position to help build a team that struggles not only on the ice but with getting people into their building to see the games.

Let’s not forget that Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin will be with the Washington Capitols for an extra thirteen seasons after getting his extension. Worst thing in the world? Tough to say for a 23 year-old who plays the game hard and fast.

It’s a move that makes sense in regards to team building and dollar figures (in the realm of thought being that there is nothing stopping anyone from drafting and signing these contracts), but this cap era of the NHL doesn’t offer many alternatives when you’re fighting the distraction of dollar signs in a player’s eyes.

The fact is, the gauntlet has been thrown. There is no going back. If DiPietro could keep his time on the injured reserve list to a minimum, I might be thinking different. Thing is, this is what we have to contend with for beyond the next decade.

If injuries plague Luongo, this will be a rough road. If we have a good number of years in the playoffs with a Stanley Cup or two in Vancouver, then finally someone will be able to say that these kinds of contracts have some merit.

Right now, I’m skeptical, but the proof remains to be seen. When that happens, I’ll gladly change my mind.

Worth noting, there is a clause in the contract that gives a way out for both Luongo and the club.