Since his retirement, former goaltender Roberto Luongo has remained active in the Florida Panthers organization, helping the club in numerous ways.
On Wednesday, November. 13, the Florida Panthers announced that they have named Roberto Luongo as Special Advisor to the General Manager.
Originally drafted back in 1997 by the New York Islanders, Luongo’s stay was short-lived on Long Island as he was dealt the following year in a blockbuster trade that sent numerous parts over to the Panthers. His move would later change the franchise forever.
Luongo spent two stints in Florida, which lasted from 2000-01 to 2005-06 and 2013-14 to 2018-19 where the five-time All-Star put together a record of 247-230-241 to go along with a SV% of .919.
Sandwiched in between those spells was an eight-year stay with the Vancouver Canucks, in which the Canadian native led the Canucks to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, leading all goaltenders with 38 wins on the season. In result of his remarkable play during that calendar year, Luongo was awarded the William M. Jennings Trophy.
Throughout his career, Luongo was named as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy three times (2003-04, 2006-07, 2010-11), Hart Memorial Trophy once (2006-07), and was also nominated in the final running for the 2017-18 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
With the Panthers organization, Luongo leads the franchise in the following categories as a goaltender: games played (572), wins (230), shutouts (38), saves (16,068) assists/points (13), single-season games played (75, 2005-06), single-season wins (35, 2005-06, 2015-16), single-season saves (2,303), and single-season shutouts (tied at 7, 2003-04).
Playing in a staggering 19 seasons throughout his NHL career, Luongo ended off with a grand record of 489-392-33-91, followed by a .919 SV%, 3.12 GAA, and 77 shutouts in 1,044 NHL games.
Here’s what General Manager Dale Tallon had to say about the new front office addition, via NHL.com:
"“I’ve had the honor and privilege to work with Roberto during his time playing for the Panthers and am proud to welcome him to our franchise’s hockey operations staff. Roberto always approached every game with an unmatched work ethic and we are confident he will take to this new role with the same passion. A cornerstone player in our franchise’s history, we are thrilled that ‘Lu’ will have a hand in shaping our franchise’s future.”"
Without a doubt, this position was unquestionably earned by the Panthers legend. Roberto Luongo has not only been a key figure within the South Florida community over the years, but his knowledge and experience around the game will serve him well in his new role.
Dale Tallon and staff made the right choice bringing Luongo on board as they are now adding a talented and well-versed individual to their front office.
Catch the Panthers in action next on Thursday, November. 14 @ 7 P.M. as the Cats take on the Winnipeg Jets.