Former Canucks Play Prominent Roles In Panthers' 2024 Stanley Cup Win
Multiple former Vancouver Canucks are now Stanley Cup Champions, including Hockey Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo.
Photo by Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports - Former Canucks Play Prominent Roles In Panthers' 2024 Stanley Cup WinFor the first time in franchise history, the Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup Champions. The Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7, with the game-winning goal scored by Sam Reinhart, who is the son of former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Paul Reinhart. Whether on the ice or within the management group, there are plenty of connections to the Canucks, with multiple former players now able to call themselves Stanley Cup Champions.
The first person mentioned has to be Roberto Luongo, who finally will have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Vancouver's franchise leader in wins and shutouts, the Hockey Hall of Famer and Canucks Ring of Honour inductee, has spent the last few years as an assistant to the GM. Loved in the city of Vancouver, Luongo even gave a shoutout to Canucks fans, thanking them for all their support throughout Florida's playoff run.
Now to the ice where two of Vancouver's former defencemen left their mark on the series. A year after being bought out by the Canucks, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is now a Stanley Cup Champion. The 32-year-old played 16:37 in Game 7 while leading the Panthers in hits with five. While it was a difficult few seasons in Vancouver, it is fantastic to see OEL rebound the way he has.
The other defenceman was Gustav Forsling, who emerged as a top-pair defender. Initially drafted by the Canucks in 2014, Forsling led all Panthers players in ice time at 23:45 and made a game-saving defensive play in the third period. If Forsling can continue his strong play into next season, he may give Quinn Hughes some competition when it comes to Norris Trophy voting.
While he didn't play in the playoffs, Jonah Gadjovich is projected to have his name engraved on the Cup. Drafted by Vancouver in 2017, Gadjovich played 39 games for Florida during the regular season and had the opportunity to skate with the Cup. Signed for another two years, he should play a key depth role for the Panthers next season.
Lastly, former Canucks defenceman Bryan McCabe played an essential role for Florida during their championship run. McCabe is the Panthers' Director of Player Personnel and has been with the organization in a management capacity for over a decade. McCabe, like Luongo, has a long resume which now can include the words Stanley Cup Champion.
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