Panthers tab Luongo to lead goaltending excellence department

The Florida Panthers have put together a powerful group of goaltending experts to spearhead the team's goalie development going forward, with Roberto Luongo leading the way.

The team will take an innovative approach to netminder development and coaching with the creation of a new goaltending excellence department, the club announced Tuesday.

Luongo will work in collaboration with Panthers goaltending coach Robb Tallas, his brother and Florida's AHL goaltending coach, Leo Luongo, and ex-goalie coach Francois Allaire.

Allaire is set to join the team as a goaltending consultant. He's one of the league's most famed goalie coaches after working with Patrick Roy early in his career and helping to guide Jean-Sebastien Giguere to a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2003. Allaire retired from coaching in 2017.

"I'm proud and excited to be part of this encompassing new goaltending operation," Allaire said. "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."

The team's new approach will include scouting, and it'll aim to uniformly develop goalies at every level of the franchise's system.

"Upon joining the organization, a Panthers goaltender will experience consistent communication, guidance, and unified instruction from the goaltending excellence staff," the team said.

Luongo, who is entering his second season with the Panthers as a special advisor to the general manager, says he's excited about the new opportunity to work with the other coaches and pass along their knowledge.

"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," Luongo said. "I have a tremendous deal of respect for this group and couldn't be more excited for the future."

Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is among the league's highest-paid netminders, and he endured one of the worst statistical seasons of his career in 2019-20, his first campaign with the team. The club also drafted top goalie prospect Spencer Knight 13th overall in 2019.

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