from Brian Compton of NHL.com,

HELSINKI -- Roberto Luongo is inching closer to returning from a knee injury sustained in the Florida Panthers' first game of the season but the goalie is unlikely to play in either of the two games against the Winnipeg Jets at the NHL Global Series.

"I think the plan is for him to … unless there's a complete surprise that I haven't heard yet, but the plan is for him to probably try and play next week when we get home. This is more of a rehab week," Panthers coach Bob Boughner said after practice at Hartwall Arena on Wednesday.

"He does look good. I know his knee feels good. So hopefully we'll hear something in the next few days what his plans are."

After playing the Jets on Thursday (2 p.m. ET; NBCSN, TSN3, NHL.TV) and Friday, their next game is against the Edmonton Oilers at BB&T Center on Nov. 8.

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