Lomberg signed with Calgary last week after spending the past four seasons with the Panthers

Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito called it.

Back in October of 2020 when the Panthers first signed Ryan Lomberg to a two-year deal, it was Zito who predicted that Lomberg would become a fan favorite in South Florida.

Boy was he right.

Between Lomberg’s endless motor, propensity for physicality and his infectious smile, it didn’t take long for Panthers fans to quickly endear themselves to the charm of the Lomberghini.

Lomberg ended up playing four seasons with Florida.

He did a little bit of everything during his tenure with the Panthers, from more traditional things like sticking up for teammates to surprising things like scoring an overtime-winning goal during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Lomberg had such a successful tenure with the Panthers that they could no longer afford to keep him around.

Instead, Lomberg signed back with the Calgary Flames for $4 million over two years, more than doubling his previous salary.

In what’s becoming a trend in South Florida, Lomberg becomes the latest player that fans are sad to see go but understand how the business of the game works.

On Tuesday, Lomberg posted a special message to “Panthers Territory.”

You can see the full post below:

We Are The Champions!

What a run it was.

Came to Florida four years ago trying to become a full time NHL player and now I’m leaving a Stanley Cup Champion.

Thank you to the Florida Panthers organization and all of South Florida that supported us. I will always be thankful for my time in south Florida and extremely grateful for all the life long relationships I was able to form.

Panthers Territory… WE DID IT!!!

-94

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