Mitchell has not played in an NHL game since April 10th due to concussion-like symptoms, but he will centre the Avalanche fourth line tonight in Ottawa. The Avs will ease him back him, but the idea is that he will eventually be back in his usual spot as the third line pivot.

Mitchell missed the final two games of the regular season and likely will not play in the first round vs. Minnesota. Mitchell had scored two goals with four assists in seven games since returning from a back injury.

Mitchell has missed the last four games after a frightening collision with the boards that turned Mitchell into a human lawn-chair on March 18th. Mitchell is still sore but ready to go, after a week of having trouble getting out of bed and getting into a car. He will return to the third line, and the Avs will go back to 12 forwards and four complete lines.

Mitchell skated this morning and reportedly looked "healthy" according to Patrick Roy, but he will not suit up tonight vs. the Canucks.

Mitchell, who suffered a back injury on Tuesday will likely miss his second straight game tonight when the Avs take on the Bruins. Colorado was expecting to have him back tonight, but it looks like Tuesday in Nashville is more likely.

Mitchell was hurt after losing an edge on his skates while trying to check Montreal's Lars Eller. Mitchell slid back-first into the end boards and was down for a couple of minutes. Mitchell did skate off the ice under his own power, accompanied by a trainer. The Avs had no immediate word on the extent of the injury, although Mitchell did accompany the team to Winnipeg, where it will play Wednesday night. "We'll know more (Wednesday)," Avs coach Patrick Roy said.

Mitchell, 27, is a 6-foot-5, 216 lbs. forward who has never played in an NHL contest. He has three goals and three assists in 20 games with Hershey (AHL) this season. He is expected to report to Portland (AHL).

Mitchell missed his second consecutive practice because of the flu and his availability for tonight's matchup with his former team in jeopardy. Mitchell will be a game-time decision.

Mitchell scored a goal on two shots in 12:26 of playing time in Wednesday's season opener. He had a career year last season scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists in 47 games.

Fresh off of his two-year contract O'Reilly will make his season debut vs. Columbus. It looks like he will be playing on a line with Milan Hejduk and John Mitchell.