Luongo's long deal not likely for Leafs

Considering that the Maple Leafs have two goalies appearing NHL-ready (Reimer, Scrivens) and one super hot prospect (Owuya), their need to bring in a number one starter may be for a year or two only. This means that Luongo's contract, with 10 years and $50 million to go, is more likely to end up in Tampa than Toronto.

Ideally, the Leafs would land a free agent, keeping the cupboard full to trade for a big forward. Here are the best 2012 NHL free agent goaltenders:

15 Martin Brodeur NJD 59 2.41 .908

22 Tomas Vokoun WSH 48 2.51 .917

26 Scott Clemmensen FLA 30 2.57 .913

Here are all the NHL goalies currently making a mil or more and are 2012 free agents:

Cristobal Huet Chicago Blackhawks $5,625,000

Martin Brodeur New Jersey Devils $5,200,000

Dwayne Roloson Tampa Bay Lightning $3,000,000

Antero Niittymaki San Jose Sharks $2,000,000

Chris Mason Winnipeg Jets $1,850,000

Michael Leighton Philadelphia Flyers $1,550,000

Dan Ellis Anaheim Ducks $1,500,000

Tomas Vokoun Washington Capitals $1,500,000

Jonas Gustavsson Toronto Maple Leafs $1,350,000

Johan Hedberg New Jersey Devils $1,250,000

Scott Clemmensen Florida Panthers $1,200,000

Alex Auld Ottawa Senators $1,000,000



The best value currently is Nabokov at 570k but he just got re-signed by the Islanders for $2.75 mil on a one year deal.



Summary:

Leafs should offer Brodeur a 2 year deal, if he's not available, then go after Vokoun or Clemmensen. Brodeur is worth $4 mil per year, while Vokoun will likely get $3 mil, and Clemmensen will move to the $2.3 mil range.