National Hockey League

Panthers indicate that Mitchell's career likely over

Published Apr. 26, 2016 3:43 p.m. ET

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SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) The Florida Panthers do not expect captain and two-time Stanley Cup winner Willie Mitchell to return next season, and one of his closest friends indicated that his career is over.

Mitchell missed the final 42 games this season, amid concern over what another concussion would do to his long-term health. Mitchell was known to have concussions in 2002, 2006 and 2010.

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad says Mitchell is ''really lucky to have had such a great career and do so many great things.'' Ekblad lived with Mitchell and his wife in the 2014-15 season.

Mitchell was not with the Panthers on Tuesday when they cleaned out their lockers and headed into the offseason.

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