On the tail end of a back-to-back, heading into their final game before the Olympic Break, the Panthers will undergo numerous lineup changes. Regulars Brad Marchand, Evan Rodrigues, and Aaron Ekblad will exit the lineup in favour of Luke Kunin, Jesper Boqvist, and Donovan Sebrango. The 29-year-old Ekblad is averaging 22:25 time-on-ice, recording 21 points (3G / 18A), 67 hits, and 88 blocks in 55 games this season.
Ekblad did not play in Florida's most recent game, but he should return to the lineup on Monday against the Nashville Predators. The 29-year-old Ekblad has struggled offensively this season, with five points (1G / 4A) in 20 games (0.25 PTS/G), and only three points (0G / 3A) in his last 17. He entered this season with 380 points (118G / 262A) in 732 career games (0.52 PTS/G).
Ekblad was hurt in Saturday's preseason finale, but head coach Paul Maurice said that he'll be in the lineup on opening night vs. Chicago. Ekblad will open the season on the top pair with Gustav Forsling and the top power-play unit in a two-defensemen look alongside Seth Jones.
Ekblad was expected to be a highly desired commodity in Free Agency on July 1st, but the Panthers have locked him up to an eight-year contract extension worth $6.1 million AAV. The 29-year-old Ekblad was drafted first overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and has spent the entirety of his career with Florida. Ekblad had 380 points (118G / 262A) in 732 career games.
Ekblad was suspended for two games for elblowing Brandon Hagel in Game 4 vs. the Lightning, but will be back in the lineup for Game 2 in Toronto. Ekblad has missed 22 of the last 24 games due to multiple suspensions, but made an impact in his only two games, scoring one goal with three SOG (eight attempts), six hits and four blocked shots.
Ekblad was not penalized on the play and eventually scored the tying goal in Florida's 4-2 victory in Game 4. Hagel suffered an undisclosed injury and has already been ruled out for Game 5. Uvis Balinskis will likely draw back into the Panthers lineup in place of Ekblad.
Ekblad was suspended for 20 games in early March for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. He will make his return to the lineup on Saturday in Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 29-year-old Ekblad had 33 points (3G / 30A) in 56 games this season.
Ekblad has not played since January 8th, missing seven straight games, but returned to practice on Friday. The 28-year-old Ekblad is averaging 23:32 time-on-ice, his highest total in four seasons, recording 20 points (2G / 18A), 55 blocks, and 59 hits in 41 games this season.
Ekblad returned from a one-game absence in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Utah Hockey Club but his status for Saturday's game against the Boston Bruins remains up in the air. The 28-year-old Ekblad is averaging 23:32 time-on-ice, his highest total in four seasons, recording 20 points (2G / 18A), 55 blocks, and 59 hits in 41 games this season.
Ekblad exited Friday's 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins late in the third period and has not practiced since, but will return to the lineup on Wedndesday. The 28-year-old Ekblad is averaging 23:31 time-on-ice, his highest total in four seasons, recording 20 points (2G / 18A), 54 blocks, and 59 hits in 40 games this season.
Ekblad exited Friday's 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins late in the third period and has not practiced since. The 28-year-old Ekblad is averaging 23:31 time-on-ice, his highest total in four seasons, recording 20 points (2G / 18A), 54 blocks, and 59 hits in 40 games this season.
Ekblad exited Friday's 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins late in the third period and has not practiced since. With Niko Mikkola (undisclosed) also sidelined Monday, the Panthers have recalled Tobias Bjornfot from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL), who is set to make his season debut.
Ekblad exited Friday's 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins late in the third period and has not practiced since, making his status for Monday's game against the Colorado Avalanche uncertain. With Niko Mikkola (undisclosed) also a game-time decision on Monday, the Panthers have recalled Tobias Bjornfot from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL).
Ekblad did not play the final six games of the season for the Panthers due to an undisclosed injury but will be ready for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ekblad has seen a decrease in offensive productivity the last few years but is still a major part of the Panthers' blue line. He had 18 points (4G / 14A) in 51 games this season.
