Gillis:Luongo's big contract won't deter deal

VANCOUVER - Roberto Luongo's contract won't deter him from being traded, says Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis.

Luongo has 10 years remaining on a $64-million, 12-year contract.

Under terms of the new collective bargaining agreement between NHL owners and players, a team that trades a player away can still pay a portion of his salary.

But Gillis says he sees no reason why the Canucks would have to keep part of Luongo's salary in a trade given the goalie's all-star calibre.

Luongo, who was displaced by Cory Schneider as Vancouver's starter in last spring's Stanley Cup playoffs, has said he will waive his no-trade clause if asked.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been rumoured as the team most likely to obtain Luongo.