Panthers star defenseman likely out until playoffs

The Florida Panthers will likely be with out star defenseman Aaron Ekblad till Recreation 1 of the postseason, head coach Paul Maurice shared on the staff’s Wednesday practice. 

Ekblad exited the staff’s Tuesday matchup in opposition to the Montreal Canadiens after simply seven minutes of ice time, leaving with an damage but to be disclosed. No matter it’s, it should maintain Ekblad out of the staff’s last six video games — limiting his season to simply 51 video games after a shoulder damage delayed his season’s begin to mid-November.

Ekblad posted his lowest scoring charge for the reason that 2016-17 season, managing simply 4 targets and 18 factors, or a 0.35 point-per-game tempo. The chilly efficiency ended Ekblad’s three-year streak of scoring double-digit targets, which kicked off when he tallied 11 targets in simply 35 video games throughout the 2020-21 season.

Florida has made up for the absence of their former first-overall choose largely because of Gustav Forsling, who has taken over Ekblad’s function as a double-digit scorer and top-line defenseman. Forsling has 10 targets and 35 factors in 73 video games this season, persevering with his streak of sturdy scoring after netting 37 and 41 factors during the last two seasons respectively. 

He additionally leads the NHL in +/-, with a +47 — little doubt because of enjoying alongside Florida’s loaded high line, but in addition a testomony to Forsling’s sturdy affect throughout the season. With stepped-up performances from Josh Mahura, Niko Mikkola, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Florida has been capable of forge a blue-line able to enjoying with out Ekblad — although they’ll nonetheless eagerly anticipate his return after setting a 33-18 report when Ekblad is wholesome.