The latest Kris Versteeg update is mostly positive, but it's disappointing that he might not be ready for the beginning of the 2013-14 season.

The word is that he's off crutches related to his knee injury and that he's shooting for an August 5 date to start skating again. Apparently about two months won't be enough for him to be ready to play, though, at least according to Sunday's estimates.

Kris Versteeg will undergo surgery on his knee and he'll miss the rest of the season.

The Panthers' injury woes continue as they lose another key contributor. Versteeg has been limited to just 10 games this campaign due to injuries, but he plays as a top-six forward when he's healthy. He had two goals and two assists.

Kris Versteeg had an MRI on his injured knee Wednesday.

He was unsurprisingly a no-show at practice because of the examination. We should more about his status once the results are made public. Versteeg was injured Tuesday night on a check from Tampa Bay's Radko Gudas.

Kris Versteeg scored in Florida's loss to Tampa Bay Tuesday night, but he also suffered another injury.

He will have his right knee evaluated after after he was hit by Lightning call-up Radko Gudas. Versteeg stayed on the ice for a few minutes before he was helped off to the locker room. He has suited up in just 10 games this season because of injuries.

Kris Versteeg scored Tuesday in Florida's 3-2 loss against Tampa.

The marker was his first since Jan. 31. Versteeg has been limited to 10 games this season because of injuries. Tomas Kopecky also potted his 11th goal of the year in the loss.

Kris Versteeg was activated from the IL on Friday March 8.

According to a source, Kris Versteeg may be ready to return from his chest injury later this week.

He is recovering from an injury to cartilage and muscle in his rib cage and hasn't played since Feb. 12. Versteeg has been limited to just seven games this season because of injuries.

Kris Versteeg travelled with his teammates for Saturday night's game against Carolina.

Although that may sound like he may have fully recovered from a chest injury, it will likely not result in him playing this weekend. The good news is that it seems Versteeg is making progress. We will update you as to any further developments. Scottie Upshall (ankle) also travelled to Raleigh but will likely not suit up.

Kris Versteeg isn't ready to return from his chest injury yet.

He'll miss his eighth straight game Thursday night and isn't sure when he'll be able to play. "I don't know how close I am yet. You got to take it day by day, you want to see progression in some ways," Versteeg said. "In others you don't. It's a little frustrating, you just keep going through it day by day and whenever you feel ready to go and whenever you feel you can help the team out you will. No [not ready yet]. I've just not felt close for awhile. There's progress but not where it needs to be."

The Florida Panthers have placed Kris Versteeg (upper body) on the injured reserve list.

The Panthers just needed an extra roster spot and since Versteeg's placement could be made retroactive Feb. 12. In other words, Versteeg can be activated off of the injured reserve list at any time because he's already been sidelined for more than a week. He's close to returning, so don't get discouraged over this news.