Willie Mitchell (upper body) will miss Thursday's game against the Stars due to flu-like symptoms, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Mitchell (upper body) will miss Thursday's game against the Stars due to flu-like symptoms, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

Expected to return from an upper-body injury to play in a game for the first time since Feb. 3, Mitchell was never formally activated from IR and will now have to wait at least one more game before getting back onto the ice. With fellow defenseman Erik Gudbranson also sidelined by flu-like symptoms, the Panthers may need to recall a blueliner from AHL San Antonio. Mitchell's next opportunity to play will come Saturday against the Islanders.