Vancouver forward Pavol Demitra is expected to rejoin the Canucks in Sunrise, Fla., Thursday and will take part in the pre-game skate though he’s not expected to be in the lineup for their game against the Panthers Thursday night.
Head coach Alain Vigneault said Wednesday it’s highly unlikely Demitra, who left the team Monday afternoon and returned to Vancouver to deal with a personal matter, will play in the game.
Meanwhile, defenceman Willie Mitchell is still not symptom-free from the concussion he suffered in a Jan. 16 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and there is no timetable for his return. Kevin Bieksa (tendon laceration) likely won’t start skating until after the Olympic break.
