Mitchell, who was reportedly suffering from concussion-related issues, has been skating, while contemplating his future with the Panthers in advance of the NHL playoffs, the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Considering his concussion history, a return to action on that front is hardly a lock for Mitchell, who has been out of the Panthers' lineup since Jan. 18. With that in mind, GM Dale Tallon noted Thursday, "Willie has to decide whether he can play or not," while adding "we want to make sure he doesn't get hurt, we want to make sure there is no permanent damage. But this is up to Willie. We want to do what is best for him. That's the bottom line. The doctors have said they're concerned with his long-term health." Per the report, The Panthers expect Mitchell to make a decision on his playing status in the coming days.

Mitchell (lower body) is not traveling with the team on the upcoming road trip, and will instead aim to rejoin the lineup when the club returns home next Tuesday against the Maple Leafs, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

A recent report indicated the captain was nearing a return, but it appears he will require at least another week. While he certainly provides a leadership role, his game (seven points in 46 games) doesn't translate to fantasy relevance. Expect another post as the target date draws nearer.

Mitchell (lower body) has been ruled out for Saturday's meeting with Detroit, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mitchell has not been on the depth chart since mid-January but is nearing a return. The blueliner has struggled to produce since joining the Panthers organization, as he tallied just eight points during the 2014-15 campaign and has added a paltry seven more this season. Given his limited scoring as well as averaging only 19:56 of ice time per game, it would probably be best to look elsewhere for a defenseman in your daily lineups.

Mitchell (lower body) will begin skating this week while the team is on a four-game road trip, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defenseman has been out of the lineup since Jan. 22, and the Panthers will surely welcome him back with open arms. Mitchell has one goal and seven points on the year, but plays a lot of important minutes for a team that will be playing postseason hockey. When Mitchell is indeed ready to go, the team will provide further update.

Mitchell (undisclosed) will miss Thursday's tilt against the Red Wings, Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mitchell will miss at least two more games, as he's also set to be out for Tuesday's contest against the Capitals, but coach Gerard Gallant indicated the defenseman had resumed skating. His next chance to slot back into the lineup will come Saturday against the Penguins, though it remains unclear if that's a realistic return date.

Mitchell (undisclosed) did not practice Monday and will not play Tuesday at Washington, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mitchell has not played in a game for the Panthers since Jan. 18. The 38-year-old veteran defenseman's next chance to return will come Thursday evening when Florida hosts Detroit. Mitchell has tallied one goal and six assists in 46 games played this season.

Mitchell (undisclosed) could be ready to return after the All-Star break, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

The news essentially rules out Mitchell for the Panthers' last game before the All-Star break Tuesday, but indicates some extended rest ahead of the team's following contest Feb. 2 may be sufficient enough for him to return. There's still no guarantee that will be the case, but the team should continue to provide updates as the date approaches.

Mitchell (undisclosed) has been ruled out of the Panthers' next two contests, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Given his recovery timetable, the earliest Mitchell will be ready to return to action is Tuesday against Toronto. The 38-year-old blueliner has been a bit of a defensive liability for the Panthers of late, and has tallied just seven points (one goal, six assists) in 46 games this season.

Mitchell was on the ice for all four goals scored by Edmonton in Monday's loss. The poor effort puts him at minus-2 on the season.

EDGE Analysis

Mitchell was chased down in the defensive zone and hastily made a pass that was intercepted and resulted in a goal by Oilers winger Jordan Eberle. Turnovers like that are rarely seen from the 38-year-old, but this may be a sign that he doesn't have much left in tank. Mitchell is now minus-8 over his last three games.

Mitchell scored the game-winning goal Friday against the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

The 38-year-old defenseman brings a cagey veteran presence, but he doesn't bring the goals, as he has never had more than five in a season, and he hasn't had more than 12 points in three seasons.