LUONGO-BERTUZZI
The Vancouver Canucks acquired goaltender Roberto Luongo, defenseman Lukas Krajicek and a sixth-round draft pick in 2006 from the Florida Panthers for right wing Todd Bertuzzi, defenseman Bryan Allen and goaltender Alex Auld.
What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
After years of being on the brink of Stanley Cup contention, the Canucks were always one player short: An elite goaltender. Enter Luongo, who feuded with Panthers management but may now have reason to settle down in the Pacific Northwest. Luongo instantly makes Vancouver better--and the winners of this mega deal. Krajicek adds another offensive defenseman to the stables, which may become even more important if UFA Ed Jovanovski leaves town (as expected). The Canucks gave up a lot, but finally got their man between the pipes.
What does it give the Florida Panthers
Bertuzzi comes to South Florida with baggage, but he immediately has the support of GM Mike Keenan, who was responsible for bringing him to Vancouver in 1998. Allen is a valuable stay-at-home blueliner that should fit in nicely among the team's top four defensemen, while Auld replaces Luongo as the starter in Florida. The Panthers received three quality pieces to the puzzle in return for Luongo...but was it enough for their franchise player?
Fantasy impact
