Canucks News: Lockwood Update, Luongo Trade Analysis

Vancouver Canucks captain Henrik Sedin scored his 1,000th NHL point against Roberto Luongo. But should Luongo have been the goalie in Vancouver’s net instead?

Henrik Sedin became Henr1k Sedin in last night’s win against the Florida Panthers. In Florida’s net: ex-Canuck Roberto Luongo. Three years after the trade that acquired Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom, Trevor Connors of The Hockey Writers dared to look back and judge the move.

While Luongo and Henr1k have appeared in thousands of NHL games already, Canucks prospect Will Lockwood is still at the beginning of his journey. But, he seems to be on the right path, according to Canucks Army’s Jeremy Davis.

Luongo Trade Analysis

Trevor Connors (The Hockey Writers) — The Luongo Trade, 3 Years Later

"As we approach the three year anniversary of the trade that ended Luongo’s tenure in Vancouver, it’s fair to say that enough time has passed for a clear and sober assessment. The “wait and see” disclaimers are largely out the window now."

There has likely never been a trade in the history of sports that had fans of both teams saying “yup, this is a good trade.” Every trade has critics, often in both fan bases involved, and the one that sent Canucks (and Team Canada) legend Roberto Luongo to the Panthers was no different.

At the time, I wasn’t sure what to think. Something had to change, but was it the right move?

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Three years later, I am going to say it was.

Luongo is still an elite goaltender, and we aren’t sure what Jacob Markstrom is or can become. Shawn Matthias was a solid bottom-six player when he was in Vancouver, but he wasn’t a great loss when he left. Steven Anthony, the player sent to Florida with Luongo, is currently studying at and playing for the University of Windsor.

Looking at what we are left with today, it is basically a one-for-one deal.

Luongo is arguably the better goaltender. However, Markstrom is 11 years younger.

Because of that age difference, and only because of that age difference, I am going to say it was a good trade. If Markstrom becomes a solid starter (or a great backup for Thatcher Demko) while Luongo retires, we can all be happy.

Plus, there was all that drama surrounding Luongo and his contract — we can be glad it’s gone.

Will Lockwood Developing

Jeremy Davis (Canucks Army) — Canucks Army Prospect Rankings #8: Will Lockwood

"The skepticism put forth by fans and bloggers was largely due to [Lockwood’s] poor numbers in his draft season, particularly against USHL competition. Now, we all know that numbers don’t tell the whole story, but three goals in 20 games against your peers is a pretty big red flag.Lockwood spent that season with the Under-18 team of the U.S. National Team Development Program, a sort-of all-star squad of American born players that play exhibition matches against NCAA teams, international squads, as well as a circuit schedule through the USHL. Lockwood’s numbers against both USHL competition, and through his season with the NTDP as a whole produced zero successful matches within the pGPS model.Halfway through his freshman year at college however, pGPS shines a more optimistic light on the Bloomfield Hills native."

When the Canucks picked Will Lockwood much earlier than he was expected to go off the board at the 2015 NHL Draft, I was surprised. But, I hadn’t seen Lockwood play, so I couldn’t make any judgements.

After reading scouting reports on the American winger, I actually started to get excited about him. A quick skater who plays a gritty game and has a nose for the net — a Jannik Hansen-type player. Sounds great!

The problem was, he hadn’t really scored much in his draft year, and models predicting NHL prospects’ success struggled to find similar players.

Half a year later, however, things are looking great for him. Lockwood has seven goals and 13 points in 19 games for the University of Michigan. At times, he is arguably his team’s best player.

Next: Henrik Scores 1,000th Point

The 2016-17 season is putting Lockwood in a much better position for Canucks Army’s pGPS model. It doesn’t guarantee success, but shows the pick was a solid one.

What does this teach us? Trust the scouting stuff.