Roberto Luongo was drafted in the first round, 4th overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. He wasn't brought up to the NHL until the 1999-2000 season when he played 24 sub-par games, posting a 3.25 goals against average (GAA). Although many were shocked when Islanders manager Mike Milbury traded him to Florida before the 2000-2001 season. Since then Luongo has spent five seasons with the Panthers. He even placed second in voting for the Vezina Trophy (best NHL goaltender) in the 03-04 season when he faced the most shots by any goaltender in a season and still managed to maintain an impressive 2.43 GAA. He lost to Martin Brodeur that season. Due to a poor start to the season in Florida, there were rumours that he would be traded. However, these rumours were more or less debunked when Panthers GM Mike Keenan offered Luongo a $30 million, five-year contract in January, which Luongo rejected. Still, Loungo was selected to Team Canada for the 2006 Olympics.
