VANCOUVER — Roberto Luongo says he might still be a member of the Vancouver Canucks if had started last season's Heritage Classic.
The veteran goalie made the comments Tuesday at Rogers Arena ahead of the Florida Panthers' game against Vancouver on Thursday.
Former Canucks head coach John Tortorella instead chose to go with backup Eddie Lack in the showcase outdoor game at B.C. Place Stadium against the Ottawa Senators on March 2, a game Vancouver lost 4-2.
Luongo was traded to Florida two days later in a move that was widely speculated to be precipitated by the Heritage Classic snub.
"There's no hiding it. I did want to play that game," Luongo told reporters Tuesday. "I mean that goes without saying, and if I would have played I probably would maybe still be here. Who knows?"
Tortorella was fired following one disastrous season that saw Vancouver miss the playoffs for the first time in six years.
Thursday's game will be Luongo's first at Rogers Arena since the trade.
