Despite rampant speculation, Roberto Luongo is staying with the Vancouver Canucks and the veteran netminder believes his contract got in the way of a potential trade.

Luongo signed a 12-year contract extension worth $64 million in 2009 and has nine years remaining on his deal after this season with an annual salary cap hit of $5.33 million. The duration and cost of his contract has been a stumbling block in trade negotiations.

“My contract sucks,” Luongo said at a press conference Wednesday after his team’s practice. “I’d scrap it if I could right now.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the teams pursuing Luongo Wednesday, but as the deadline passed, an agreement between the two sides was not met.

The Canucks are expected to re-open potential trade talks for Luongo in the summer.

This season, Luongo has split time with Cory Schneider, although the younger Schneider has emerged as the more regular starter.

Despite the fact he is not in an ideal situation, Luongo does not plan on throwing in the towel, so to speak.

In 16 appearances this season, the Olympic gold medallist is 7-4-3 with a 2.44 goals-against average and .904 save percentage.