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Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo opens up about the time he almost signed with an Original Six team in free agency

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Tyler Ball
November 14, 2024  (7:43 PM)
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Former NHL goaltender Roberto Luongo speaking as a guest during the Spittin Chiclets Podcast.
Photo credit: Screenshot

Recently on a new episode of Spittin Chiclets, the crew had Roberto Luongo on as a guest and he revealed that he almost signed with the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent.

Roberto Luongo is considered one of the best goaltenders in the history of the NHL particularly in the 2000s.

Throughout his career, Roberto Luongo played 19 seasons and over 1,000 games in the NHL for the Florida Panthers and the Vancouver Canucks.

Despite being synonymous with these two franchises a new interview with Roberto Luongo revealed that his career almost took a wild turn that would send him to the Detroit Red Wings.

While sitting down with Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney the legendary goaltender took viewers through several major moments in his career.

First, he spoke about his upbringing and the fact that he didn't begin playing goaltender until 12 years old.

Then the crew moved on to Roberto Luongo's NHL career and specifically his move from the Florida Panthers to the Vancouver Canucks.

It was revealed during the interview that after being traded to Vancouver before he officially signed an extension he was offer sheeted by the Detroit Red Wings.

Roberto Luongo almost joined the Detroit Red Wings dynasty

While speaking with Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney, Roberto Luongo confirmed that shortly after being traded to Vancouver he was offered a contract for more money from the Red Wings.

Even though Roberto Luongo was offered more money by the Red Wings he confirmed that he felt a loyalty to the Vancouver Canucks after they invested in him by trading for him.

Ultimately things would work out well for Roberto Luongo in Vancouver and he would go on to be named the captain of the team which is rare for a goaltender.

He would carry the Vancouver Canucks to a Stanley Cup Finals where they would eventually unfortunately lose to the Boston Bruins in 2011.

By not signing with the Detroit Red Wings Roberto Luongo did miss out on a Stanley Cup as the Red Wings would go on to win in 2008.

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Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo opens up about the time he almost signed with an Original Six team in free agency

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