FORT LAUDERDALE — The Florida Panthers are feeling the strain of injuries as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, particularly after defenseman Niko Mikkola exited Monday’s game against the San Jose Sharks with a potential injury concern. Fortunately, Coach Paul Maurice has provided reassuring news, indicating that Mikkola is expected to take the ice on Thursday night despite missing Wednesday’s practice.
Mikkola left the game late in the second period after only 10 seconds of play following a media timeout. There was no apparent injury sustained during that shift or in previous moments of the game, leading Maurice to classify the situation as a “day of rest” rather than a serious concern. “It was just something we couldn’t get settled down. He has played without feeling it, but it does creep up every once in a while. Usually a couple of days settles it right down,” Maurice explained.
In other team updates, forward Brad Marchand participated in practice on Wednesday, stepping in for Sam Reinhart, who was taking a maintenance day. Although Marchand has been sidelined for six games after an injury earlier this month, he has shed his no-contact jersey, showing progress in returning to form. However, Maurice tempered expectations regarding a possible return on Thursday, indicating Marchand remains day-to-day. “He’s certainly close. We’re just trying to build off how he comes in each day,” Maurice said.
Meanwhile, defenseman Seth Jones remains out of the lineup, having been injured at the Winter Classic in Miami earlier this month. He was placed on long-term injured reserve to allow Matthew Tkachuk to rejoin the roster and is eligible to return against the Utah Mammoth next Tuesday. However, Maurice does not foresee that happening just yet, emphasizing that Jones’s recovery timeline may stretch to the full extent previously indicated.
The Panthers are navigating a challenging stretch, but the return of key players like Mikkola and the forthcoming updates on Marchand and Jones offer a glimmer of hope as they strive for success in the competitive NHL landscape.