Panthers' Verhaeghe week-to-week with injury, expected back for playoffs

Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe is week-to-week with an upper-body injury, head coach Paul Maurice announced Tuesday, per NHL.com's Jameson Olive.

Maurice added that while he doesn't expect Verhaeghe to miss any playoff games, he might not be able to return before they start.

The Panthers clinched their spot in the postseason on Thursday but are in a battle with the Boston Bruins for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Florida is currently two points back of the reigning President's Trophy winners.

Verhaeghe exited early in the third period of the Panthers' 6-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday and was unable to return to the contest.

During his final shift, he was pushed into the boards by rearguard Simon Benoit in the Leafs' zone, and the two went on to engage in a netfront battle.

Verhaeghe ranks second on the Panthers with 33 goals and fourth on the team with 71 points in 75 outings this season.

The 28-year-old was a key cog for Florida during its run to the Stanley Cup Final last spring. He totaled seven goals - including four game-winners to tie Matthew Tkachuk for the team lead - and 17 points in 21 games.