Music: {allcanada} REPORT: CANUCKS' GILLIS SMOOTHS OVER DC VISIT WITH GM MCPHEE

Monday, February 4, 2013

{allcanada} REPORT: CANUCKS' GILLIS SMOOTHS OVER DC VISIT WITH GM MCPHEE

A day after causing a stir by showing up at a Washington Capitals game, Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis reportedly set out to make amends.

According to ESPN hockey reporter Craig Custance, Gillis reached out to Capitals general manager George McPhee to let him know that his intention in attending the game was not to cause a distraction involving goaltender Roberto Luongo and the DC-based club.

McPhee was impressed with Gillis' professionalism.

"That's a first-class thing to do," McPhee told ESPN.

Following Gillis' appearance during the Capitals' 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, rumours began to circulate regarding possible trade scenarios involving the two teams that suggested that the Canucks' veteran goaltender might land in Washington.

Luongo trade talk has been rampant since last spring when the Canucks goalie said he would not stand in the way of a potential trade out of Vancouver. The Canucks played Cory Schneider during their first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings and began the current shortened season with Schneider as their number one goalie.