Panthers reveal devastating news for Roberto Luongo after acquiring two goalies.

Things sound rather bad for veteran goaltender Roberto Luongo.

The Panthers made curious moves after free agency opened on Friday acquiring two goaltenders despite having Luongo on the roster, and presumably as their starter. The acquisition of Reto Berra was not so surprising, after all the Panthers needed a quality back up, however when they signed free agent James Reimer to a relatively lucrative 5 year deal, eyebrows perked up.

Now we know why, and the news is devastating for the always jovial Luongo. According to a report from Harvey Fialkov the Panthers do not expect that Luongo, who needs hip surgery after he played through the injury in the postseason, will be not be ready to start the season, and as a result both Reimer and Berra will be called upon to take over the Panthers net to start the season.

It's not a short term absence either, according to Sportsnet's John Shannon the Panthers are optimistic that Luongo will return in November, however there is no official timeline, and as an older player his recovery could be prolonged.

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