History of Roberto Luongo in Timeline
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.
6 hours ago : Roberto Luongo Returns to Bang Drum for Panthers' Stanley Cup Final Game 6.
Roberto Luongo, the former Florida Panthers goalie, returned to bang the traditional drum before Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. Luongo's appearance boosted the team's spirit as they battled for the championship, continuing a beloved pregame ritual.
1947: Bill Durnan's Captaincy
In the 1947-48 season, Bill Durnan was the last NHL goaltender to serve as a team captain before Roberto Luongo.
1970: Ray Martynuik Drafted Fifth Overall
In 1970, Ray Martynuik was drafted fifth overall, prior to Luongo being drafted. Luongo was the highest-picked goaltender in NHL history at the time of his draft.
1973: John Davidson Drafted Fifth Overall
In 1973, John Davidson was drafted fifth overall, prior to Luongo being drafted. Luongo was the highest-picked goaltender in NHL history at the time of his draft.
1974: Nick Sanza's QMJHL Record
In 1974-75, Nick Sanza set the QMJHL record for shutouts, which Roberto Luongo later tied.
1976: Father's Immigration to Montreal
In 1976, Antonio Luongo, Roberto Luongo's father, immigrated from Italy to Montreal, where he later married Pasqualina.
April 4, 1979: Roberto Luongo Born
Roberto Luongo was born on April 4, 1979. He is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL).
1983: Tom Barrasso Drafted Fifth Overall
In 1983, Tom Barrasso was drafted fifth overall, prior to Luongo being drafted. Luongo was the highest-picked goaltender in NHL history at the time of his draft.
1994: Vanbiesbrouck's Four Shutout Mark
In the 1994-95 season, John Vanbiesbrouck set a four-shutout mark, a record that Luongo later surpassed.
1995: World U-17 Hockey Challenge
In 1995, Roberto Luongo made his international debut at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge in Moncton, New Brunswick, with Team Québec, winning bronze.
1995: Highest-Drafted Goaltender in QMJHL History
In 1995, the Val-d'Or Foreurs made Roberto Luongo the highest-drafted goaltender in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) history, at second overall.
1996: Graduated High School
In 1996, Roberto Luongo graduated from Montreal Francophone high school Antoine de St-Exupéry.
1996: Started Junior Career with Val-d'Or Foreurs
Roberto Luongo began his junior career in the 1995-96 season with the Val-d'Or Foreurs, recording six wins in 23 games played.
1997: Selected in the NHL Entry Draft
In 1997, Roberto Luongo was selected fourth overall by the New York Islanders in the NHL Entry Draft after playing in the QMJHL.
1997: Drafted by the New York Islanders
In 1997, Roberto Luongo was selected in the first round, fourth overall, by the New York Islanders in the NHL Entry Draft.
1997: Continued to Play Junior with Foreurs
In 1997-98, after being drafted by the Islanders, Roberto Luongo continued to play junior hockey with the Val-d'Or Foreurs.
1997: Awarded Mike Bossy Trophy
In the 1996-97 season, Roberto Luongo improved to a team-record 32 wins with the Val-d'Or Foreurs and was awarded the Mike Bossy Trophy as the league's best professional prospect.
1997: Vanbiesbrouck's Four Shutout Mark
In the 1997-98 season, John Vanbiesbrouck had another four-shutout mark, a record that Luongo later surpassed.
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.
1998: Canadian national junior team
In 1998, Roberto Luongo was named to the Canadian national junior team for the 1998 World Junior Championships in Finland. He played backup to Mathieu Garon.
January 8, 1999: Signed with the Islanders
On January 8, 1999, after his performance at the 1999 World Junior Championships, Roberto Luongo was signed by the New York Islanders to a three-year contract worth $2.775 million.
November 22, 1999: Called Up to the Islanders
On November 22, 1999, Roberto Luongo was called up to the New York Islanders after a shoulder injury to backup Wade Flaherty.
1999: Traded to Acadie-Bathurst Titan
During the 1999 World Junior Championships, Roberto Luongo was traded from Val-d'Or to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan for the remainder of the 1998-99 season.
1999: Splitting Time Between Islanders and AHL
In 1999, Roberto Luongo split his professional rookie season between the New York Islanders and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lowell Lock Monsters.
1999: Won Silver Medal at World Junior Championships
In 1999, Roberto Luongo won a silver medal at the World Junior Championships. He was also named Best Goaltender.
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.
June 24, 2000: Traded to Florida Panthers
On June 24, 2000, Roberto Luongo was traded by the Islanders to the Florida Panthers along with Olli Jokinen for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha. This happened after the Islanders drafted Rick DiPietro.
October 9, 2000: First Start with the Panthers
On October 9, 2000, Roberto Luongo made his first start with the Florida Panthers, making 18 saves in a 4-2 loss to the Boston Bruins.
2000: Rick DiPietro Drafted First Overall
In 2000, Rick DiPietro was drafted first overall by the Islanders, surpassing Luongo as the highest-picked goaltender in NHL history.
2000: Traded to the Panthers
In 2000, Roberto Luongo was traded to the Florida Panthers after splitting his time with the Islanders and their AHL affiliate.
2000: Martin Brodeur Arena Renamed
In 2000, the Martin Brodeur Arena was renamed as such in St. Leonard. This was the first arena in the community to be named after an NHL goaltender.
April 7, 2001: Franchise Record Fifth Shutout
On April 7, 2001, Roberto Luongo notched a franchise record fifth shutout of the season in a 3-0 win against the New York Rangers.
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.
September 13, 2001: Four-year contract extension with the Panthers
On September 13, 2001, Roberto Luongo agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Florida Panthers, approaching his third NHL season.
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.
2002: Adam Russo Tied Shutout Record
In 2002-03, Adam Russo tied Roberto Luongo's QMJHL record for shutouts.
January 20, 2003: Shutout streak snapped
On January 20, 2003, Roberto Luongo's franchise record-setting shutout streak, lasting 144:51 minutes, was snapped during a game against the Montreal Canadiens.
2003: Won Gold Medal at World Championships
In 2003, Roberto Luongo won a gold medal at the World Championships, representing Team Canada.
January 2, 2004: Canadian Press sports team of the year
On January 2, 2004, the gold medal-winning 2003 team that Roberto Luongo was a part of, was named the Canadian Press national sports team of the year.
February 2004: Named to first NHL All-Star Game
In February 2004, Roberto Luongo was named to his first NHL All-Star Game, competing for the Eastern Conference and winning the Goaltenders Competition segment of the SuperSkills Competition.
2004: Proposed to Gina Cerbone
In 2004, Luongo proposed to Gina Cerbone under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
2004: World Championships and World Cup
In 2004, Roberto Luongo played in seven games as the starting goaltender at the World Championships, winning gold. He also competed in the 2004 World Cup, stepping in as the starting goaltender when Brodeur was injured and helping Team Canada to the finals, where they won.
2004: NHL All-Star and Vezina Trophy Finalist
In 2004, Roberto Luongo was named an NHL All-Star and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender. He was also a finalist for the Lester B. Pearson Award.
2004: Won Gold Medal at World Championships and World Cup
In 2004, Roberto Luongo won a gold medal at the World Championships and the World Cup championship with Team Canada.
2004: Fabio Luongo Played Junior A in BCHL
In 2004-05, Fabio Luongo, Roberto's younger brother, played Junior A in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Williams Lake Timberwolves before injuries ended his career.
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.
2005: World Championships Silver Medal
In 2005, Roberto Luongo played backup to Brodeur at the World Championships in Austria, earning a silver medal as Team Canada was shut out by the Czech Republic in the final.
2005: Won Silver Medal at World Championships
In 2005, Roberto Luongo won a silver medal at the World Championships with Team Canada.
January 2006: Turns down contract offer
In January 2006, Roberto Luongo formally turned down a five-year, $30 million contract offer from the Panthers.
April 13, 2006: Most-wins Panthers goaltender of all time
On April 13, 2006, Roberto Luongo became the most-wins Panthers goaltender of all time, passing John Vanbiesbrouck with his 107th win for the team in a 5–4 overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators.
June 23, 2006: Traded to the Vancouver Canucks
On June 23, 2006, Roberto Luongo was traded by the Florida Panthers to the Vancouver Canucks, along with Lukáš Krajíček and Sergei Shirokov, in exchange for Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan Allen, and Alex Auld. Following the trade, Vancouver signed Luongo to a four-year, $27 million deal.
October 5, 2006: Canucks debut
On October 5, 2006, Roberto Luongo made his debut with the Vancouver Canucks, recording a 3–1 win against the Detroit Red Wings.
2006: Traded to the Canucks
During the 2006 offseason, Roberto Luongo was traded to the Vancouver Canucks after failed contract negotiations with the Panthers.
2006: Appeared in the Winter Olympics
In 2006, Roberto Luongo appeared in the Winter Olympics in Turin as a backup to Martin Brodeur for Team Canada.
January 9, 2007: Voted as a starting goaltender for the Western Conference All-Stars
On January 9, 2007, Roberto Luongo was voted in as a starting goaltender for the first time in his career for the Western Conference All-Stars.
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.
March 2007: Received Mark Messier Leadership Award
In March 2007, Roberto Luongo received the Mark Messier Leadership Award in his first season with the Vancouver Canucks.
2007: NHL All-Star and Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist
In 2007, Roberto Luongo was named an NHL All-Star and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. He was also a finalist for the Lester B. Pearson Award and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player.
March 27, 2008: Birth of Daughter
On March 27, 2008, Roberto Luongo and his wife Gina welcomed their daughter.
September 30, 2008: Named Captain of the Vancouver Canucks
On September 30, 2008, Roberto Luongo was named the 12th captain in Vancouver Canucks team history, replacing Markus Näslund. Luongo became only the seventh goaltender in NHL history to be named a captain, and the first since Bill Durnan in 1947-48.
2008: Named Canucks Team Captain
In 2008, Luongo was named captain of the Vancouver Canucks, becoming the first goaltender to be named captain in 59 years. Teammate Mattias Öhlund described him as a vocal leader.
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.
August 2009: Roberto Luongo Arena Named
In August 2009, the arena in which Roberto Luongo played his minor hockey in St. Leonard was named after him as the Roberto Luongo Arena.
October 25, 2009: Shutout Record
On October 25, 2009, Roberto Luongo recorded his 21st shutout as a Canuck, his 48th career shutout, surpassing Kirk McLean as the franchise shutouts leader in a 2-0 win against the Edmonton Oilers.
2009: Contract Negotiations and Draft Agreement
In 2009, Roberto Luongo and his agent began contract negotiations with the Canucks' general manager for a long-term extension. Despite initial reports of an agreement around the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, both parties denied it.
2009: Contract Negotiations
In 2009, with one season left on his original four-year deal with the Canucks, Roberto Luongo and his agent began contract negotiations with general manager Mike Gillis.
December 31, 2009: Selection to Team Canada
On December 31, 2009, Roberto Luongo was selected to Team Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympics, along with Brodeur and Fleury.
January 7, 2010: 50th Career Shutout
On January 7, 2010, Roberto Luongo recorded his 50th career shutout in a 4–0 win against the Phoenix Coyotes.
March 11, 2010: Torchbearer for 2010 Paralympics
On March 11, 2010, Roberto Luongo carried the torch into Robson Square in Downtown Vancouver for the 2010 Paralympics.
September 13, 2010: Stepping Down as Captain
On September 13, 2010, Roberto Luongo confirmed he was stepping down as captain of the Vancouver Canucks.
September 2010: Resigned from Captaincy
In September 2010, after serving as team captain for two seasons, Roberto Luongo resigned from the position with the Vancouver Canucks.
December 2010: NHL's Second Star of the Month
In December 2010, Roberto Luongo was named the NHL's Second Star of the Month after posting an 11–1–2 record with a 2.07 GAA, a .922 save percentage and one shutout.
December 27, 2010: Birth of Son
On December 27, 2010, Luongo's wife, Gina, gave birth to the couple's son.
2010: Contract Extension
In 2010, Roberto Luongo attended Team Canada's summer camp for the Winter Olympics and set a September 13th deadline to sign a contract before the Canucks' training camp. Later, on September 2nd, the Canucks signed Luongo to a 12-year contract extension worth $64 million.
2010: 2010 Winter Olympics Gold Medal
In 2010, Roberto Luongo helped Canada to four consecutive single-elimination game wins to capture the gold medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. He made a game-saving stop against Pavol Demitra in the semifinal and 34 saves in the gold medal game against the United States.
2010: New Goaltending Coach
Prior to the 2010-11 season, the Canucks hired Roland Melanson as their new goaltending coach. Working with Melanson, Roberto Luongo began playing deeper in his crease.
2010: Relinquished Canucks Captaincy
Prior to the 2010-2011 season, Luongo relinquished the captaincy of the Vancouver Canucks to forward Henrik Sedin after serving in that role for two seasons.
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.
March 5, 2011: 300th Career Win
On March 5, 2011, Roberto Luongo recorded his 300th career win against the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the sixth-youngest goaltender to reach the milestone and the 25th overall.
September 2011: Inducted into Italian Walk of Fame
In September 2011, Luongo was inducted into the Italian Walk of Fame in Toronto, Ontario.
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.
December 2011: Resuming as Starter
By December 2011, Roberto Luongo resumed as the team's starter for the Vancouver Canucks with an improved performance.
2011: William M. Jennings Trophy Winner
In 2011, Roberto Luongo won the William M. Jennings Trophy, along with backup Cory Schneider, for having the lowest goals against average in the league.
January 4, 2012: 700th Game
On January 4, 2012, Roberto Luongo became the 23rd goaltender in league history to play in his 700th game, recording a 3–0 shutout against the Minnesota Wild.
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.
June 30, 2013: Schneider traded to the New Jersey Devils
On June 30, 2013, Schneider was unexpectedly traded to the New Jersey Devils, reinstating Roberto Luongo as the starting goaltender for the 2013–14 season.
2013: Returned to the Panthers
During the 2013-14 season, Roberto Luongo returned to the Florida Panthers, where he spent the remainder of his NHL career.
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.
January 7, 2014: Named to Canadian Olympic Hockey Team
On January 7, 2014, Roberto Luongo was named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic hockey team, where he later won his second Olympic gold medal.
March 4, 2014: Luongo traded back to Florida Panthers
On March 4, 2014, Roberto Luongo was traded back to the Florida Panthers along with prospect Steven Anthony in exchange for Jacob Markström and Shawn Matthias. The Canucks retained part of Luongo's salary.
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.
2016: Hip surgery
In the 2016 off-season, it was revealed that Roberto Luongo underwent hip surgery, but recovered in time for the start of the 2016–17 season.
December 4, 2017: Luongo Suffers Torn Groin
On December 4, 2017, Roberto Luongo suffered a torn groin in a game against the New York Islanders, causing him to miss the next 27 games.
2017: Contract Details
In 2017, Roberto Luongo's contract continued, with the details including a $6.7 million annual salary through to the 2017-18 season and additional clauses allowing Luongo to facilitate a trade after the fifth year and the Canucks to facilitate a trade after the seventh year.
April 5, 2018: Luongo plays in his 1,000th NHL game
On April 5, 2018, Roberto Luongo played in his 1,000th NHL game in a win against the Boston Bruins, becoming the third goaltender in NHL history to reach this milestone. At the conclusion of the 2017-18 season, Luongo was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
February 10, 2019: Luongo passes Roy for second all-time in games played
On February 10, 2019, Roberto Luongo played in his 1030th career game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, passing Roy for second all-time behind Brodeur in career games played by a goaltender.
June 26, 2019: Luongo Announces Retirement
On June 26, 2019, Roberto Luongo announced his retirement from professional hockey with three years left on his contract, largely due to lingering effects from hip and groin surgeries.
2019: Joined Panthers' Front Office
In 2019, Luongo joined the Florida Panthers' front office as a special advisor to the general manager, Bill Zito.
March 7, 2020: Panthers Retired Luongo's Number
On March 7, 2020, the Florida Panthers retired Luongo's number, making him the first player to receive this honor from the franchise.
2021: Inducted into Florida Sports Hall of Fame
In 2021, Roberto Luongo was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
2022: Assistant GM for Canada's Olympic Hockey Team
In 2022, Luongo served as the Assistant General Manager for Canada's national hockey team during the Winter Olympics.
2022: Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
In 2022, Roberto Luongo was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, marking a significant recognition of his accomplished career.
2024: Won Stanley Cup as an Executive
In 2024, Luongo won his first Stanley Cup as an executive with the Florida Panthers, who defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven games during the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals.
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