3 NHL Stars That Were Almost Toronto Maple Leafs

Roberto Luongo

A lockout nearly wiped out the 2012-13 season but thankfully a new collective bargaining agreement was signed between the NHL and NHLPA and the season resumed on a much reduced 48-game schedule. 

Heading into the 2013 Trade Deadline, the Maple Leafs were in a playoff position and were on their way to their first postseason berth in nearly a decade.

That iteration of the Leafs had many flaws and their crease was definitely one of them and had been for years.

Despite the otherworldly performance of homegrown James Reimer, GM Dave Nonis wanted to beef up the position and set his sights on hall of fame netminder Roberto Luongo.

There had been rumors for years surrounding Luongo and the Leafs.

According to Luongo himself he was willing to waive his no-movement clause to join the team but the deal never came to fruition.

It reportedly would have included backup goalie Ben Scrivens and a haul of draft picks sent to the Canucks for the star goaltender.

Although many have picked apart his performances in big games, he was one of the main reasons behind Team Canada's 2010 Olympic gold medal win and he had played in many big games before including the 2011 Stanley Cup finals against the Leafs' eventual round one opponent, the Boston Bruins.

It is impossible to say now but one thing is for sure, had Nonis acquired Luongo it would have undoubtedly changed the course of history as we know it.