Panthers' Roberto Luongo: Progressing well, aiming for season opener

Luongo (hip) plans to be in goal for the start of the 2016-17 season, the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis:

Reports dating back to early July suggested that Nov. 1 was the soonest Luongo would be able to return to game ice following hip surgery performed in May, but the celebrated veteran reportedly has been rehabbing on the rink since August 5. Better yet, this doesn't appear to be an example of a player feigning optimism in order to try to come back before he's ready. Goalie coach Rob Tallas said, "We're going into our fourth week and he's doing really well. He is very optimistic about starting the season and has put a lot of time in not only at the rink but off the ice. He has really committed himself this summer to being 100 percent again. We're at the point where there aren't a lot of restrictions on what he's doing on the ice. That's a great sign." Luongo may be 37 years old, but he's turned back the clock by posting a 2.35 GAA and 63 wins over the last two seasons. While he's evidently ahead of schedule in his rehab, it would be wise to track his progress through training camp before counting on another season of 60-plus appearances between the pipes.