Roberto Luongo skated with goaltender coach Ian Clark on Monday morning and coach Alain Vigneault hinted that the Vancouver Canucks starter may be close to recovering from a hairline fracture of a rib on his left side.
Luongo suffered the ailment absorbing a Niklas Hagman sharp-angle shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 24.
The Canucks leave Wednesday for a five-game road trip and Luongo could see some action at some point.
"Anybody that comes on that trip is going to be someone who has a chance to play and I think Louie might have a chance somewhere on the trip," said Vigneault. "Roberto was here (Monday) and skated this morning for about 30 minutes with Ian and we'll see how it goes in the next couple of days."
Roberto Luongo, G
2010/09/02: The New York Post is reporting that the NHL could void the contract of Roberto Luongo as early as Friday. The NHL would also not allow the potential contract of Ilya Kovalchuk the report says if the NHLPA is not willing to change some parts of the existing CBA to avoid front-loading long-term contracts. It is reported that the NHL wants to count only the years of a contract before the age of 40 towards the salary cap and negotiations are on-going. Luongo signed a 12-year/$64 million contract extension a year ago and the contract kicks in this season as he still had a year remaining on his old deal. The article also states that the Marian Hossa contract is still being investigated.Should both sides finally come to an agreement, the Kovalchuk, Luongo and all other deals will be grandfathered in. Stay tuned as this story is far from over. (Source: New York Post)
Jeff Tambellini, LW
2010/09/01: Jeff Tambellini's goal going into training camp is to win a spot on Vancouver's third line. Raffi Torres and Manny Malhotra are projected to occupy two-thirds of the third line. "When you look at teams that have won the last couple of years they all have that scoring element on that third line, somebody like Tyler Kennedy in Pittsburgh," said Tambellini. He's been a great scorer at the AHL level, but he's never lived up to his potential in the NHL. He has just 18 goals and 46 points in 180 career NHL games. We wouldn't count on him having any fantasy value in 2010-11. (Source: Vancouver Province)
Alexandre Bolduc, C/LW
2010/09/01: Alexandre Bolduc is eager to fight for a roster spot during the Canucks' training camp. Bolduc has a chance to make the team as a fourth line center. He might also help the Canucks' kill penalties if he plays at the NHL level. Bolduc had a chance to make an impression with the Canucks last season, but he was limited to just 15 games due to a shoulder injury. (Source: Vancouver Sun)
Victor Oreskovich, RW
2010/08/31: Victor Oreskovich will vie for a bottom-six forward spot with the Canucks at training camp. However, there is a strong chance that Oreskovich may end up starting the year in the minors as well. He came over in a trade with Florida at the 2010 Entry Draft, along with defenseman Keith Ballard, in exchange for Steve Bernier, Michael Grabner and the 25th overall pick. The 24-year-old posted six points in 50 games with the Panthers in 2009-10. (Source: Vancouver Sun)
Kevin Bieksa, D
2010/08/29: The signing of Raffi Torres at a reasonable price has seemed to ease the need to trade defenseman Kevin Bieksa for a top-six forward. It now seems more likely that Bieksa will start the 2010-11 season in Vancouver as the Canucks no longer view him as a trade chip and they can fit him within the team's salary cap due to the injuries to Sami Salo and Alex Burrows. Bieksa may still be moved once Burrows and Salo return later in the season, but for the immediate future Bieksa will remain a Canuck. (Source: Vancouver Sun)
Raffi Torres, LW
2010/08/28: The Vancouver Canucks signed Raffi Torres not only for his scoring ability but also for his physical presence. "That is a big part of my game, being a guy who will finish hits and try to change the momentum of a game at some point. Whatever they need me to do, I'll do. I'll sit down with (coach) Alain Vigneault when I get there and I'm sure he will let me know what he expects out of me. But I think I know what I need to bring." Torres could factor into the Canucks' power play at some point this season, elevating his fantasy status. Keep an eye on his progress; he could be worth stashing on the bench. (Source: Vancouver Sun)
Roberto Luongo, G
2010/08/25: Vancouver GM Mike Gillis will speak to Roberto Luongo about the team's captaincy closer to the start of training camp. There has been a great deal of speculation and rumor that Luongo will no longer be the Canucks' captain and that the 'C' will eventually find its way to Henrik Sedin. We'll keep you posted. (Source: Vancouver Sun)
Raffi Torres, LW
2010/08/25: Raffi Torres has signed one-year, $1 million deal with the Canucks. Torres posted 19 goals and 36 points in 74 games last season with Columbus and Buffalo. He adds grit and size to the Vancouver forward group, which was something wanted to do this off-season to better prepare themselves for the playoffs. Torres is slated to play on the third line, but he may move up to play with the Sedin twins with Alex Burrows expected to start the year on the sidelines due to shoulder surgery. Keep an eye on him at training camp to see where he will end up on opening night. (Source: Vancouver Sun)
Raffi Torres, LW
2010/08/25: The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly signed Raffi Torres. The contract is believed to be a one-year, $1 million deal, according to Sportsnet. Stay tuned for confirmation and further details. (Source: Vancouver Province)
Alexandre Burrows, RW/LW
2010/08/25: Alex Burrows is projected to start the 2010-11 season on injured reserve due to off-season shoulder surgery. The gritty winger underwent the procedure in June to repair a torn labrum and he may not be available to return until November or possibly December. We will keep you updated on any confirmation of his status when we hear anything. (Source: Vancouver Province)
