The Great Vancouver Goalie Debate

(photo courtesy of passittobulis.blogspot.ca)

The Canucks are in a pretty awkward spot. After getting embarrassed in the playoffs this year, the ice is now wearing thin in the Vancouver goal crease. Reading the writing on the wall, Roberto Luongo, a man who walked on water in BC not so long ago, reportedly asked the Nucks for a trade today. In classy fashion, Luongo recognized young Cory Schneider as the future of the franchise in an interview with local reporters.

(photo courtesy of mapleleafshotstove.com)

Now comes the tricky part; Bobby Lu commands a hefty price tag, but is also under contract for another decade. That's a tough sell when you're moving a goalie you gave up on. There are several teams with the need, and the means to accommodate the dollars, but the most interesting question is "how much is Roberto Luongo really worth right now?".

Williams Wills Bills Into Respectibility

(photo courtesy of buffalonews.com)

                    

You can now call Mario Williams simply "Mario Bills" if you're not into the whole brevity thing. You can also call him rich to the tune of $96M, $50M of which guaranteed. For a team with one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL last season, this could be well worth it. The Bills had only 29 sacks last season, Williams averages over 8.5 sacks a year, his career best being 14. That new threat will force offenses to adjust, opening things up for players like Marcell Dareus. This guy will have a ripple effect on Buffalo's entire defensive presence. Buffalo pulled out all the stops, and landed a top free agent, one that addresses a major need. This sends a strong message to fans and free agents alike: Buffalo means business, so pay attention.