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Panthers reportedly reluctant to give up prospect Bjugstad for Luongo

2011 IIHF World U20 Championship - Day Ten

BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 05: Nick Bjugstad #27 and Chris Brown #10 of the United States celebrate Bjugstad’s game-winning goal over Sweden during the 2011 IIHF World U20 Championship Bronze medal game between United States and Sweden at the HSBC Arena on January 5, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. The United States won 4-2 and received the bronze medal. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

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According to USA Today’s Kevin Allen, the Florida Panthers’ refusal to part ways with prospect Nick Bjugstad is what’s holding up a trade with Vancouver for Roberto Luongo.

Bjugstad, 20, was drafted 19th overall in 2010, and when you consider he’s a 6-foot-5, 215-pound center that scored 42 points in 40 games last season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, you can understand Dale Tallon’s reluctance to send him to the Canucks.

The Panthers do have another talented center in the system – QMJHL star Jonathan Huberdeau, the third overall pick in the 2011 draft.

However, future depth at center isn’t something that any GM surrenders without a fight.

Related: Florida first-rounder Bjugstad headed back to school