The Panthers run to the playoffs will come without their leading scorer after Nick Bjugstad had season-ending lower back surgery on Friday. Bjugstad had 24 goals and 19 assists in 72 games this season for the Panthers, but had been hampered by a mysterious 'lower body' injury over the past few weeks.It has been an issue for awhile and the Panthers felt it was important to get the procedure done as soon as possible.

Bjugstad did not travel to Toronto, so he won’t play tonight and could miss the entire road trip. The Panthers have a back-to-back on the weekend so if Bjugstad doesn’t join the team on the trip, Vincent Trocheck will stay in the lineup through the weekend.

Bjugstad missed practice on Monday and is listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game. Bjugstad has missed a lot of practices recently and he is dealing with lower-body “soreness.” Monitor his status during Tuesday’s morning skate.

The flu has been making its rounds around the Panthers locker room, so that is likely what Bjugstad is dealing with. Florida does not play again until Thursday, so he has plenty of time to get back on the ice and be ready for their matchup with the Jets.

Bjugstad was listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury and the belief was that Vincent Trocheck was recalled to replace Bjugstad, but he will be in for Dave Bolland and Bjugstad is good to go. The 22-year-old has five goals in his last nine games.

Bjugstad is reportedly ailing a little bit which sparked the Panthers to recall Vincent Trocheck from San Antonio (AHL). Monitor Bjugstad’s status during warmups.

Bjugstad has 21 points (13G / 8A) in 34 games this season. His 13 goals leads the Panthers and puts him on pace for 31 this season. He is miles ahead of his strong rookie campaign and should continue to get better. His six-year extension will see him in Florida through the 2020-21 season.

Bjugstad now has 7 points in 15 games this season.

Bjugstad was activated from the IR on Sunday and will enter the lineup tonight on a line with Tomas Kopecky and Krys Barch.

Bjugstad had 21 goals and 15 assists in 40 games at University of Minnesota this season. He will play tomorrow on the Panthers third line with Jack Skille and Quinton Howden.