Panthers Star Nears Return from Lengthy Injury

Florida's captain emerges from a brutal knee surgery rehab that sidelined him since training camp, ramping up skates and drawing quiet optimism from the training staff. The Panthers cling to wild-card hopes with 25 games left, and his timeline targets "soon" amid the post-Olympics grind against Toronto. GM Bill Zito stresses medical clearance over rush jobs, knowing one wrong move could derail their two-time Cup defense for good.