Willie Mitchell (illness) is expected to play Saturday against the Islanders, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Mitchell (illness) is expected to play Saturday against the Islanders, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

After missing 15 games due to an upper-body injury, Mitchell was poised to return to the lineup Thursday against the Stars before a bout with the stomach flu set in. After taking part in Saturday's morning skate, Mitchell looks to be fully recovered from both the injury and illness, though the Panthers have yet to formally activate him from IR. Expect that to happen at some point in the afternoon prior to the game.