Weaver returns from Panthers' IR; Kopecky and Gilroy still on shelf

Florida Panthers' veteran defenseman Mike Weaver, who has had a tough time battling a nasty case of the flu, is back battling rouge forwards.

The Panthers placed the 35 year old Weaver on Injured Reserve with the ailment in order to make room for Dylan Olsen to be recalled from their San Antonio affiliate, but was back on the ice for practice on Sunday and logged 15 minutes of ice time in his return against the visiting Philadelphia Flyers.

More recently, Weaver skated for 11:31 in a Wednesday night Panthers' loss to the New York Rangers.

All is not well with the Panthers, however, as Tomas Kopecky (upper body) and Matt Gilroy (lower body) were placed on the IR. Kopecky was hurt Thursday in Edmonton and could return Saturday; Gilroy will miss at least the next three games according to coach Peter Horachek.

Kopecky will be evaluated on Saturday morning for what has been reported as a hand injury, and it is hoped that he will be able to play on Saturday night when the Panthers host the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Panthers are in the midst of a five game homestand that should see them through the injuries to both players.

Photo credit - Getty Images

http://sportsinjuryalert.com/weaver-returns-from-panthers-ir-kopecky-and-gilroy-still-on-shelf/

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