Panthers GM: Targeted Sharks' Reimer as long-term solution

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There were several moves by the Florida Panthers, including the signing of goaltender James Reimer to a five-year, $17 million deal to share the workload with starter Roberto Luongo.

Reimer has spent six seasons in the NHL, mostly with Toronto. He also appeared in nine games – eight regular-season, one playoff – with Stanley Cup finalist San Jose this past season.

[KURZ: Boedker opts for Sharks due to DeBoer, team success]

Reimer came to South Florida to see the Panthers’ facilities Friday and was quickly convinced he was making the right decision.

“We’ve got a great team and great management and ownership, they’re passionate about winning,” Reimer said. “As a player, that’s the organization you want to be a part of.”

Luongo is still one of the best in the NHL, but the Panthers have been mindful of not overusing their 37-year-old goalie. He’s sat out roughly one of every four Florida regular-season games in each of the last two years and had offseason hip surgery. The Panthers made a trade for former Colorado backup Reto Berra late last month. If Luongo isn’t ready for opening night, Berra would begin as Reimer’s backup.

“We really targeted Reimer as a guy we see long term,” Rowe said.

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