The Florida Panthers may have to skate into the playoffs without their captain.
Defenseman Willie Mitchell, who's been out of the lineup since January with a concussion, is attempting to return before the end of the regular season, but team doctors are reportedly concerned about his future health, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.
"Willie has to decide whether he can play or not," general manager Dale Tallon said Thursday.
"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."
Mitchell has been skating and is physically able to play, Richards adds. The Panthers don't want to prohibit Mitchell from returning, but at the same time, they also don't want to see him suffer another head injury.
The 38-year-old is in the final year of his contract, meaning a playoff run with the Panthers may be his last hurrah.
He's expected to make a decision in the coming days.
