Panthers' Mike Matheson: Effectively ruled out Thursday

Matheson (lower body) isn't in the projected lineup for Thursday's game against the Hurricanes, Alain Poupart of NHL.com reports, adding that the defenseman is day-to-day.

It seems like Saturday's game against the Kings is a more realistic target date for Matheson's return. Ian McCoshen should hold down the fort at left defense in the meantime.