Florida Panthers News

Ekblad went down awkwardly on Sunday and is expected to be out at least 12 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fracture. This is obviously a huge blow for the Panthers but also an unfortunate injury for Ekblad, who was enjoying a career year.

Luostarinen was sent to the taxi squad prior to Tuesday's year in Chicago but has swapped spots with Brett Connolly and is expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday. Luostarinen has three goals and five assists (eight points) in 31 games this season.

Barkov was a late scratch from Tuesday's game after getting hurt in warmups and will miss Thursday's game as well. With Barkov out, Noel Acciari picked up two assists in 19:48 TOI in his spot, so he could make for an interesting DFS play tomorrow. Head coach Joel Quenneville said that Barkov is "doing better today" so don't expect him to be out long-term.

Entwistle Wass originally drafted by the Coyotes in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft but bounced around a bit before being traded to the Blackhawks in 2018. The 21-year-old winger has two goals and three assists (five points) in 12 AHL games before being promoted.

Marchand was questionable after missing Friday's practice but head coach Bruce Cassidy says he expects him to play vs. the Rangers. Marchand is hot right now, scoring three goals with eight assists (11 points) in his last seven games.

Marchand missed Friday's practice and his status for Saturday's matinee vs. New York is unclear. If Marchand can't play, look for Nick Ritchie to replace him on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak.

Bjornfot missed the last two games but is "good to go" for Friday's game in Colorado. Bjornfot has picked up two assists, nine shots and 10 PIMS in 11 games this season.