Gionta was practicing on his usual line at Thursday's practice and will play against the Panthers, reports John Vogl of The Buffalo News.

EDGE Analysis

Gionta will make his season debut after missing the previous three games. Though his best days are clearly behind him, he brings some experience to linemates Jack Eichel and Evander Kane, both of whom have played well of late. Gionta scored just 13 goals the previous season and should be able to at least make a run at 20.