Panthers Acquire G Roberto Luongo From Canucks in Exchange For G Jacob Markstrom and F Shawn Matthias

In what could possibly end up being the most shocking trade of the always manic NHL trade deadline this season, TSN is reporting that the Florida Panthers have acquired veteran G Roberto Luongo in exchange for G prospect Jacob Markstrom and F Shawn Matthias.

Still beloved by the Florida faithful, Luongo played for the Panthers from 1999-2006 and still holds most of the franchise’s all-time goalie records, including most wins (108), most shutouts (26), most shutouts in a season (7), most wins in a season (35) and most games played in net (317).

Luongo, 34, is currently playing through a contract that runs until the end of the 2021-222 season with an annual cap hit of $5.33 million. While these numbers may initially raise some eyebrows, TSN has reported that the Canucks are expected to retain 15% of the salary.

“Roberto is one of the game’s elite goaltenders and we are happy to welcome him back to South Florida,” Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon said in the team’s official press release. “With this acquisition, we have solidified our goaltending depth with a top-tiered netminder for the next several seasons. Roberto is a three-time Vezina finalist, who has experienced tremendous success throughout his 13-year playing career, which includes six post-season appearances, including the Stanley Cup finals, two Olympic Gold Medals and three All-Star selections.”

“We look forward to his contributions to our club on the ice as well as his continued philanthropic efforts in the South Florida community.”

Mike Weaver Traded to Montreal in Exchange for 2015 Fifth-Round Pick

Just days after acquiring F Brandon Pirri from the Chicago Blackhawks, Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon is making moves yet again as veteran defenseman Mike Weaver is headed to Montreal in exchange for a 2015 fifth-round pick according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

Weaver, 35, competed in 246 games for the Panthers since signing as a free agent in 2010, scoring 44 regular season points (3-41-44) and one playoff goal during the team’s improbable playoff run during the 2011-12 season.

A product of Michigan State hockey, Weaver has accumulated 86 points (7-79-86) in 585 career NHL games split between Florida, St. Louis, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Known for his responsability in the defensive zone and willingness to sacrifice his body when called upon, Weaver blocked a whopping 414 shots during his time in South Floirda – leading the team in that category from 2010-2012.

Thank you to the @FlaPanthers for everything! Sad to go but excited with the opportunity in @CanadiensMTL

— Mike Weaver (@mikeweaver_43) March 4, 2014

Florida Panthers Acquire F Brandon Pirri From Chicago Blackhawks For Picks

In what could potentially be the first of many moves as the March 5 trade deadline approaches, the Florida Panthers announced today that they have acquired center Brandon Pirri from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a third-round pick in 2014 and a fifth-round pick in 2016.

A 2nd round draft pick (59^th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Pirri’s move to Florida reunites him with current Panthers’ General Manager, Dale Tallon, who held the same position with Chicago when Pirri was drafted.

Pirri, 22, has tallied 11 points (6-5-11) so far this season for the Blackhawks while competing in 28 games in mostly a bottom-six role.

Prior to his rookie season with Chicago, Pirri turned heads while playing for the Rockford Icehogs (AHL) where he managed to score 75 points (22-53-75) in just 72 games played during the 2012-13 season.

In joining the Panthers, Pirri will be surrounded by a few familiar faces in the locker room as both D Dylan Olsen and F Jimmy Hayes spent some time with the young centerman while in Chicago’s system.

Pirri’s entry-level contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season at which time he will become a restricted free agent.

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