Kris Versteeg received a "maintenance day" on Wednesday, according to the Florida Panthers, after getting elbowed in the face by Carolina defenseman Derek Joslin on Tuesday. He was seen in street clothes with a nasty bruise on the bridge of his nose. "Steeger can more than take care of himself," coach Kevin Dineen said. "He's a really tough kid and is also smart enough to know we need him on the ice." It looks like he will play on Thursday, but we'll let you know if we hear otherwise.

With a quarter of the NHL season in the books, Kris Versteeg has arguably been the biggest surprise. Versteeg is tied for third in the NHL in points in 26 in 21 games. He's already got 12 goals and is on course to shatter his current career-high of 22 goals, set in 2008-09. He also set a career-high of 53 points that season, which is likely to be surpassed as well. There's been plenty of pleasant surprises this season, but Versteeg is somewhat different. He's not just playing above the level we thought he'd be at in 2011-12, but also above the highest level we'd thought he'd reach in his career. We do expect Versteeg to slow down as the season progresses, but those who picked him up have already gotten quite a bit of use out of him.

Kris Versteeg potted two goals and also registered an assist in the Panthers' 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils Monday night. The Panthers got on the board on Versteeg's first goal at 5:28 of the second. Versteeg scored again five minutes later. With the three-point night, Versteeg now has a remarkable 25 points in 20 games this season. Who could have predicted such a start for the shifty winger?

Kris Versteeg scored a goal and two assists in the Florida Panthers' 6-0 win against the Dallas Stars. Versteeg now has 20 points in 17 games with a +11 rating. To say that he's exceeding expectations is a wild understatement. Snatch him off of the waiver wire if he's a free agent for whatever reason.

Kris Versteeg had three goals and an assist in Florida's 6-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets Thursday night. Wow! Who could have predicted such a start for the shifty winger? With the four point game tonight, Versteeg now has 17 points in 15 games. If you were quick enough to pick him up on the waiver wire a few weeks ago, you can give yourself a nice pat on the back. And if you also own Jonathan Toews, you should be happy looking at the standings in the morning.

Kris Versteeg earned an assist to push his points total to 13 in 13 games. Versteeg was probably frustrated at the end of that shootout loss as he was unable to score a goal despite firing seven shots on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The shifty winger might end up being the best addition from the Florida Panthers' flurry of off-season moves.

Kris Versteeg, who is off to a fantastic start, registered two points in the Panthers' 4-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators Thursday night. In a thrilling third period, the Senators scored with 2.5 seconds left, right after Versteeg had scored to tie it with 47 seconds left. Versteeg is off to a great start with 11 points in nine games and should be picked up from the free agent pool in 14-team leagues. Stephen Weiss also potted a goal and an assist in the lost tonight.

Kris Versteeg, who is getting ready to play for his fourth team in three seasons, is hoping that he can stay with the Florida Panthers for a while. "It's tough bouncing around, learning new teammates and new systems," said Versteeg. "When I finally got traded here, I hoped I could be here for some time. I love it here, love where I live. You can't beat the weather. I want to win here. We rebuilt in Chicago, got to the top and they shipped everyone out. All the new free agents get to reap the benefit of us winning the Cup. I want to stay here and win the Cup here." Versteeg has found some familiar faces in Florida, including former Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon, who reacquired Versteeg services for his new team by sending a second and a third round pick to Philadelphia. Versteeg is projected to play on a line with Stephen Weiss and Tomas Fleischmann.

Kris Versteeg didn't play in Monday's preseason doubleheader. The Florida winger is still on the mend from double sports hernia surgery in May and the team probably doesn't want to risk any setbacks before the season begins. "I played with both of them for the year, but tore the second one in my second game with Philadelphia," said Versteeg. "Everything's on course, but now I've got to get used to being on the ice every day to get ready for the season."

Kris Versteeg is hoping to set up roots in Florida after being bounced between teams lately. He began the 2010-11 campaign with Toronto after being traded from Chicago. The Maple Leafs then shipped him to Philadelphia in February and then he was dealt to the Panthers this past summer. "When I came here I almost feel like I'm home, it just feels comfortable right away here," said Versteeg, who is now reunited with former Blackhawks' GM Dale Tallon in Florida. "Hopefully, that vibe doesn't go away and I can stick around and be a Panther for a while." He should be a top-six forward on the Cats this year.