Challenges Faced by Roberto Luongo: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Roberto Luongo's life and career.

Roberto Luongo, a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender, had a distinguished 19-season NHL career with the Islanders, Panthers, and Canucks. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022, he was a two-time All-Star and a William M. Jennings Trophy winner. He was also a finalist for the Vezina, Pearson, and Hart trophies. Luongo ranks third in all-time games played by an NHL goaltender (1,044) and fourth in all-time wins (489). Notably, he utilized the butterfly style of goaltending throughout his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 1, 1998: Ineligible for Islanders Call-Up

Due to failing to come to terms on a contract before October 1, 1998, Roberto Luongo was not allowed to be called up to the Islanders from junior over the course of the subsequent season.

January 2000: Criticized by Islanders General Manager

In January 2000, Roberto Luongo was publicly criticized by Islanders general manager Mike Milbury for looking for an apartment in New York on a game day before letting in seven goals.

May 4, 2001: Injury at the World Championships

On May 4, 2001, Roberto Luongo injured his finger during the first game of the qualification round against Switzerland at the 2001 World Championships in Germany.

March 20, 2002: Torn ligament in right ankle

On March 20, 2002, Roberto Luongo suffered a torn ligament in his right ankle during a game against the Montreal Canadiens, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2001-02 season.

August 11, 2005: Panthers file for arbitration

On August 11, 2005, after negotiations failed, the Florida Panthers filed for arbitration with Roberto Luongo after the NHL lockout.

January 2006: Turns down contract offer

In January 2006, Roberto Luongo formally turned down a five-year, $30 million contract offer from the Panthers.

January 16, 2007: Hospitalized and shutout against Montreal Canadiens

On January 16, 2007, after being hospitalized due to taking a puck to the throat in practice, Roberto Luongo was discharged from the hospital and recorded a shutout that night against the Montreal Canadiens.

January 15, 2009: Return from injury

On January 15, 2009, Roberto Luongo made his return to the ice after missing 24 games due to an adductor strain, in a 4-1 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes.

September 13, 2010: Stepping Down as Captain

On September 13, 2010, Roberto Luongo confirmed he was stepping down as captain of the Vancouver Canucks.

February 14, 2011: Unbeaten Streak Ends

On February 14, 2011, Roberto Luongo's 21-game regulation unbeaten streak ended with a loss against the St. Louis Blues.

November 13, 2011: Upper-Body Injury

On November 13, 2011, Roberto Luongo suffered an upper-body injury during a game against his former team, the New York Islanders, sidelining him for two games.

June 2012: Schneider Signed and Trade Speculation

In June 2012, Cory Schneider was signed to a three-year $12 million contract, which made Roberto Luongo expendable, but general manager Mike Gillis' efforts to trade Luongo were unsuccessful due to his $64 million contract.

2013: Playoffs against San Jose Sharks

In the 2013 playoffs against the San Jose Sharks, Roberto Luongo started the first two games after Schneider was injured. Luongo also came off the bench in game three after Schneider was pulled, and was the backup in game four, ending the Canucks' postseason. Following this, Luongo put his penthouse up for sale.

March 3, 2015: Luongo Suffers Shoulder Injury

On March 3, 2015, Roberto Luongo suffered a chipped bone in his shoulder in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after a shot from Leo Komarov. He left the game momentarily, returned to finish it, and then missed the next six games.

2016: Panthers lose in the first round of the playoffs

During the 2016 playoffs, the Florida Panthers lost in the first round against the New York Islanders in six games. John Tavares scored the series-winning goal in double overtime of Game 6.