Mitchell could be back for date with Minny...

Willie Mitchell has been practicing in preparation for a return to the lineup, which may come as early as Thursday (from Canucks.com)
"Willie Mitchell suited-up and took part in team practice this morning at the Pacific Coliseum. The morning session was the first time he skated with the team since succumbing to back pain after a January 17th affair in Detroit.

Mitchell has missed ten games to date, suffering from a fractured L2 vertebra in his back. He has been skating on his own for the last two weeks and has been able to manage the pain while on the ice. There is still no definite timeline for Mitchell's return to the line-up. There is a possibility that he could play this Thursday against Minnesota, but also there is an equal chance that he will miss the Valentine's Day tilt.

“Obviously another healthy body on defence is definitely going to help us at this critical stage of the season, I haven’t talked to him but during practice he looked fine so we’ll see how he does tomorrow and he’ll let us know if he can play,” said Coach Alain Vigneault.

Mitchell's return depends upon his ability to endure the pain and whether or not the injury will hinder his performance. While it is still reported that the extent of the injury cannot be worsened, rushing into the line-up without being 100% is still risky. With the recent struggles in the Canucks own zone there be some pressure for Mitchell to jump in to the line-up as soon as possible, but Vigneault stresses that he does not believe in forcing a player to play if they are not ready and confident in themselves.

“I don’t put pressure on players to play if they tell me their hurt. No organization can do that, players are the ones that have the ultimate decision, it’s not he doctors, it’s not the organization, it’s the player that says if he can go,” said Vigneault. “No organization would put a player in a situation in where his health might be in danger, you can’t do that.”

Although there has been no direct pressure placed upon Mitchell from team management, the blueliner says he does feel some indirect pressure.

"As a player you do [feel pressure to get into the line-up]. Right now I think I can help out the team; I usually play my best hockey this time of year so I want to be in the line up," said Mitchell. "I think the pressure what you feel is from yourself, but it has to be a thing where you're smart about it and feel healthy, and I do and I feel ready to get out there."

Mitchell has played 47 games this year recording seven points (1-6-7), 60 penalty minutes, and a plus-7 rating.

Kevin Bieksa skated individually before the team session and continues to show rapid progress and improvement. There still remains no definite timeline for his return as well, although it is anticipated that it will be shorter than initially expected.

Dave Nonis estimated that Bieksa may be able to jump into the line-up before the end of the month, but it all depends on how the blueliner continues to progress through his rehab.

RELATED NEWS: Lukas Krajicek will undergo further tests today and tomorrow to determine the extent of his shoulder injury."

It will certainly help to have Big Willie back on the blueline, and Bieksa's progress is encouraging. Getting our D healthy may be just the thing that saves our season.