Important Seth Jones injury update revealed by Panthers coach

The Panthers are battling hard to keep their playoff hopes alive after a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over the Detroit Red Wings.

Florida currently sits 21st overall in the league with a 32-29-3 record. They desperately need their big bodies back on the blue line.

Jones has been missing from game action since January 2nd due to an upper-body issue. His absence has left a massive hole on the right side.

The 31-year-old blueliner is finally taking contact and fully participating in team practices. That is a massive step in the right direction.

Maurice noted that the veteran will officially return when his X-ray is completely clear and his physical strength is back to normal.

The timeline for his return to the ice is currently hovering around seven to ten days. The medical staff is not taking any chances with his recovery.

Before going down, the 6-foot-4 defender was quietly putting together a solid campaign. He registered six goals and 18 assists over 40 appearances this season.

Getting his 24 points back in the lineup will significantly boost the transition game. The Panthers are paying him a massive $9.5 million cap hit to anchor that unit.

Over his NHL career, the Arlington native has been an absolute workhorse. He just hit the impressive 900-game milestone in the Show.

He has racked up 105 goals, 360 assists, and 465 total points across those nine hundred contests. His heavy shot and crisp passing are desperately missed on the penalty kill.

The team also received brutal news regarding star winger Brad Marchand. The gritty forward is out for weeks and might require surgery.

Losing Marchand puts even more pressure on the defensive core to step up and keep pucks out of their own net.

The Panthers carry a minus-18 goal differential and cannot afford any defensive lapses during this critical homestand.

Florida resumes action on Thursday night when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit town for a heavy matchup.