Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said in a conference call Monday that Hudler would have to return to Calgary after the game Tuesday to resolve pending immigration issues before rejoining the Panthers before their game against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.
Defenseman Jakub Kindl also could be in the lineup Tuesday after being recalled from Portland of the American Hockey League. Kindl was acquired Saturday in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings.
Tallon said he had no concerns about chemistry issues after the trades this weekend.
"We did some background checking and we know who they are," Tallon said. "They're quality people and they have good personalities and they're real pros. We feel that they'll fit in nicely and it'll be a smooth transition."
Goalie Mike McKenna was recalled from Portland (AHL) on Monday and will serve as the backup to Roberto Luongo against Winnipeg. Al Montoya, who started the game against Minnesota before leaving in the first period because of an upper-body injury, is day-to-day.
Tallon said center Derek MacKenzie, who missed the game against Minnesota because of an upper-body injury, is day-to-day.
After their busy Saturday, the Panthers made one trade Monday; they sent forward Brandon Pirri to the Anaheim Ducks for a sixth-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.
"We looked at a few possibilities [Monday], some package deals, but it's tough," Tallon said. "With the new age of the cap, and teams have to make moves, and they're probably waiting for other deals to come through. … The longer you wait, the harder it is to make a deal. We were fortunate that we were able to get most of our stuff done prior to the deadline."
