Luongo sent packing

Roberto Luongo's refusal to negotiate with a contending team said volumes about his character and drive to win, and made GM Semonicks decision to deal the mentally fragile goaltender an easy one. Not even an hour after Luongo dismissed talking to the powerhouse Hawks, citing the pressure of playing in a hockey mad market, he was sent packing to the friendlier confines of San Jose. "Here in Chicago we want winners, and players that want to win, it was clearly evident Roberto did not fit into one of these categories." With stud youngster Tuukka Rask ready to take charge in net, as well as a wealth of talented young netminders in the system the Hawks had no reservations severing ties with their longtime netminder. After a characteristic choke in the playoffs rumours swirled about the potential end of his tenure in Chi-Town, and those were confirmed today.

In return the Hawks add winger Matt Halischuk, and a 2013 first round pick. Also going to San Jose was winger Colton Gillies. Halischuk should bring a two way prescence to the bottom-6, and has the upside to be a bigger contributor down the line. In the 1st the Hawks add another valuable asset possibly to be used in a trade.

It is believed the Hawks will look to add a veteran goalie to split time with Rask for the upcoming season.