Roberto Luongo is Heading Back to Florida

Roberto Luongo knows all to well what it's like to play goaltender for the Florida Panthers. The eventual hall-of-famer spent 11 seasons guarding the crease in the Sunshine state and it makes perfect sense he would be chosen to lead their new Goaltender Excellence department.

Roberto Luongo will oversee a new goaltending excellence department established by the Panthers and assisted by longtime NHL goaltending coach Francois Allaire. https://t.co/3fHIec4ayB
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) December 8, 2020

'Bobby Lu' was able to hand pick his colleagues and has selected quite the group, bringing on board his brother Leo, Panthers goaltending coach Robb Tallas, and Luongo's long-time mentor Francois Allaire.

Allaire is most famous for working with Patrick Roy in the 90's, and also building Jean-Sebastien Giguere into a Conn Smythe Trophy winner in the earl 2000's. The goaltending guru had this to say about joining the Goaltending Excellence department:

I'm proud and excited to be part of this encompassing new goaltending operation. Our collection of goaltending knowledge is extraordinary, and our players will have the benefit of a collaborative, united coaching experience throughout their careers with the Panthers

Luongo and his team will take a new look at how to properly scout, communicate with, and develop goaltenders for the organization in what may be the first of it's kind. Luongo is extremely passionate about his new position with the team as a Special Advisor to General Manager, Bill Zito and had this to say about the move:

This new endeavor for our organization is incredibly special. ... Each member of our goaltending excellence staff has traveled a different path and possesses a unique set of experiences and knowledge. I have a tremendous deal of respect for this group and couldn't be more excited for the future.

Their first order of business may be to get Sergei Bobrovsky and his massive contract back on track.

Photo credit: Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire