So, tell me, how exactly are you planning on acquiring an elite goaltender in 4 years? You think goalies like Luongo become available every year?
Or maybe you think that we have a goalie prospect who will ever be as good as Lu?
As good as Lu was 10 years ago, now, or in 4-5 years from now?
For now, I believe slightly above average goaltending will help us tremendously. I'm not sure if the Reimer/Scrivens will be able to provide that, but I'd rather stick with that tandem for a shortened season than pursue a trade for Luongo (at an overpayment).
Ultimately, I think we'll have to draft our own goalie, as no team will give us an elite goalie. Trade away a few of our excess 2nd/3rd liners for late 1st or 2nd round picks, and go nuts on goalie prospects with those picks. Obtain a stopgap goalie (on a non-Pejorative Slured contract) to allow time for the prospects to develop. Give Bryzgalov a shot if the Flyers amnesty him, or try to get Backstrom on a 3-4 year deal (even at a slight overpayment).
A lot of the problem seems to be the fact that we just haven't bothered drafting goalies. Sparks in 7th round in 2011, Rollheiser in 6th round in 2008, Reimer in 4th round in 2006 isn't likely to get you a franchise goalie. The last goalie we used a higher pick on (#21 OA) turned out pretty decent. Too bad he was never given a chance with the Leafs.
Let me clarify my stance on Luongo. I believe he's a good (not elite) goalie, who doesn't handle pressure situations well. When I think of elite goaltenders, I think of guys like Thomas, Brodeur, Lundqvist, who have the ability to step up their play when the games start mattering more. Luongo seems to be the exact opposite. I do believe Luongo can get us into the playoffs (so could half of the goalies around the league), but not much more than that.