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The Vancouver Canucks have agreed, in principle, to a contract extension with restricted free agent goaltender Cory Schneider. The deal, confirmed to be a three year $12million pact, all but confirms that Roberto Luongo and his 12 year $64million contract will be shipped out of town. Sources say that a deal with the Florida Panthers is close at this point and, while not completed, could be done within the next few days.

Over the last two seasons, Cory Schneider has really established himself as a topnotch goaltender in the National Hockey League. Since becoming a fulltime NHL professional, Schneider has done nothing but win. Last season he posted a record of 20-8-1 while compiling a stat line including a 1.96 goals against average (third in the league) and a .937 save percentage (second in the league). The Canucks will have a great chance to win with this young man in net.

By signing this deal prior to becoming a full-fledged restricted free agent who is open to offer sheets, Schneider showed that he is committed to the Canucks organization. Considering the media mess surrounding this team right now regarding Roberto Luongo, it is nice to see a positive piece of news leak out of the organization. In the coming days Canucks 101 will have more coverage regarding Roberto Luongo and his potential move.  

Now that a contract with Schneider is done, fans can expect a Luongo deal to come up very soon. Regardless of what Mike Gillis has said, this team cannot go into next season with both goaltenders around. Having $9.3million in cap space tied up in net is not a recipe for success in the National Hockey League.  

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