The Panthers went after some toughness Tuesday, but Steve McIntyre isn't expected to play the role of team enforcer for at least a few weeks.

McIntyre, 29, was claimed off waivers by the Panthers so the team could send him to their American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester, N.Y. For that to happen, McIntyre would have to pass through waivers again.

General manager Randy Sexton said the left winger needs to get into playing shape; he played in four games with Edmonton this season and a total of 26 in the past two. Sexton said he wants McIntyre to get some games in before he calls him up to the big club.

``We want to play grittier and upgrade the toughness on our team,'' Sexton said. ``We got tougher with [Victor] Oreskovich and [Kenndal] McArdle; they've done a good job. This is just another step in the process. We want a team that can hold its own physically with anyone. That doesn't happen overnight.''

McIntyre was with the Panthers last training camp and was claimed by Edmonton when Florida waived him in order to send him to the minors. On Tuesday, the Panthers pulled him back in. In 22 games with the Oilers last season, he had six fights.

``He'll bring a different dimension to us,'' defenseman Bryan Allen said. ``People know that he's out there.''

CAMPBELL HEALING

Center Gregory Campbell was back on the ice Tuesday morning sporting a clear face mask, three days after taking a slap shot to the face.

``It's not the most comfortable thing, but I wore one three years ago for a few games,'' said Campbell, who is expected back Thursday at Boston.

After the long practice, Campbell was in good spirits despite the fact that the protective gear is somewhat of a nuisance.

``[Radek Dvorak] said he's volunteering to put one on so all three of us on the gray line have one,'' he joked. Center Dominic Moore (nasal surgery) also is expected to return Thursday, and he's wearing a full metal cage.

EXPERIMENT OVER?

Coach Pete DeBoer said Ville Koistinen is a natural defenseman and deserves to get a chance to play there. Koistinen has been playing with the forwards since the start of the season but was benched after two shifts Saturday.

``That's my plan now,'' DeBoer said. ``If there's a need and he has to play forward, then we'll deal with that. But I think we've tried that and it hasn't worked, and in fairness to him I think his next opportunity should be as a defenseman.''

• Tuesday's 90-minute practice was among the longest since training camp. DeBoer said he needed the practice time since the Panthers will not have consecutive off-days again until Christmas.

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