LUONGO HEADS BACK TO SOUTH FLORIDA
The Florida Panthers acquired goaltender Roberto Luongo and winger Steven Anthony from the Vancouver Canucks for goaltender Jacob Markstrom and forward Shawn Matthias.
What does it give the Florida Panthers
This is what Luongo wanted all along: to go back home. His family has established roots in South Florida since playing five early seasons with the Panthers from 2000-06. After {P Cory Schneider} was dealt to New Jersey on draft day last year, however, it was thought that the 34-year-old 'Bobby Lu' was destined to finish his career in Vancouver. Well, things change very quickly in professional sports. Expect Luongo to play most of the time and unseat {P Tim Thomas} as Florida's No. 1 goalie.
What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
It's a bit of a shocker that Luongo was traded less than a year after Schneider was dealt, but the emergence of {P Eddie Lack} this season helped the process along. In Markstrom, the Canucks get a vastly talented netminder whose game has yet to translate at the NHL level. Florida soured on Markstrom rather early, but he's still only 24 years old with immense talent. For now, he might back up fellow Swede Lack at the NHL level, though the Canucks might acquire another backup. Matthias is another player that hasn't developed as planned, but he should play more in Vancouver--whose roster may look vastly different after the deadline.
Fantasy impact
Luongo fantasy owners may not like his new situation, but he should play more in South Florida after yet another goaltending battle in the Canucks' crease area this season. At worst, his value will remain even. The big winner here is Lack, who suddenly is the new starter in Vancouver. Matthias should also get a nice spike in playing time, hopefully leading to a breakout with Vancouver next season.
