Roberto Luongo is back in the city
Posted January 10, 2013 4:56 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Goaltender Roberto Luongo is the only roster player yet to join his Vancouver Canucks teammates for on ice workouts ahead of the NHL season. Even though he is expected to be traded soon, Luongo has arrived from Florida.
“Right now, I’m focused on being here until Mike [Gillis] comes up to me, then we’ll move on,” said Luongo at YVR this afternoon. He is rumoured to be moved to another team before the regular season, but still has his place in Vancouver and is excited to get on the ice tomorrow and have a couple of laughs. Toronto, Florida and even Philadelphia have been rumored suitors for Luongo.
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Alex Burrows, who returned today to the UBC skate is excited to see his friend. “It’s nice to be together, that’s for sure. That’s one of the things guys really miss. You’re around each other and compete together, so it’s nice to be back at it. We’re looking forward to training camp on Sunday.”
Aaron Volpatti, David Booth, Mason Raymond , Dale Weise and Zack Kassian rounded out the fresh faces at the UBC skate.
Kassian and injured centre Ryan Kesler are the only two Canucks not taking part in the main group skates. Kassian skated on his own, as he has a case of back spasms, but says he will be ready for the start of training camp. Kesler (shoulder, wrist) is still expected to miss an extended period of time. His absence has even sparked rumors that Alex Burrows could move from wing to second-line centre.
The Canucks now await the final NHL Players Association ratification vote. Once the new CBA is approved, the NHL is expected to release the shortened season schedule and give the go-ahead for teams to open training camp on Sunday.
