Ekblad scored a power-play goal and added an assist in Thursday's 5-2 win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

The blueliner's second-period marker gave the Panthers a 3-1 lead and turned into the game-winner when Brayden Point scored his second power-play goal of the night early in the third. Ekblad already has four goals through 11 games -- including three on the power play -- after lighting the lamp just five times in 67 games last season. The low 2019-20 goal total was an outlier for the 2014 first overall pick, who opened his career with five consecutive double-digit goal campaigns.

Ekblad picked up his third helper of the season during Saturday's 3-2 overtime win against the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

The Panthers continue to lean on Ekblad as their workhorse on defense, as he recorded his fifth straight game over 25 minutes in ice time to start the season. Ekblad is fourth in the league for average ice time per game at 26:45 and first in the league for shifts per game at 33.2. If he can keep up his ice time and remain on the Cats' top power-play unit, Ekblad will likely surpass last season's career-high of 41 points.

Ekblad scored a goal on four shots in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Blackhawks.

EDGE Analysis

After a scoreless first period, Ekblad waited only 12 seconds into the middle frame to break the deadlock. The 24-year-old defenseman led all skaters with 25:46 of ice time. Ekblad is poised for a big year with all-situations usage and a role on the top power-play unit. He had a career-best 41 points in just 67 contests last year. On top of solid scoring numbers, Ekblad will also be sturdy with blocked shots and plus-minus.

Ekblad is healthy and available for Saturday's clash with the Islanders, Brian Compton of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad didn't play in Wednesday's exhibition with the Lightning but appears to be fully fit. The defender figures to log big minutes with the club during the playoffs, including suiting up with the No. 2 power-play unit., which will give him solid fantasy value.

Ekblad is listed as a scratch for Wednesday's exhibition match against the Lightning, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad was a full participant in practice Monday, so at this point it's safe to assume the Panthers are just being overly cautious with their star blueliner ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Islanders. The six-year vet racked up 41 points in 67 games during the regular season and is expected to skate on Florida's top pairing and second power-play unit once the playoffs get underway.

Ekblad (undisclosed) was back on the ice for Monday's practice session in Toronto, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad hasn't scored a goal since Nov. 23 versus Carolina, a stretch of 45 games, but did manage to rack up 11 helpers in the 13 contests prior to the shutdown. The blueliner figures to split the power-play duties with Keith Yandle and should provide solid fantasy value in both DFS contests and postseason pools.

According to coach Joel Quenneville, Ekblad (undisclosed) was unfit to participate in Friday's practice, David Work of WPLG Local 10 News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Quenneville is confident Ekblad will be ready to go "when games count," so at this point there's zero reason to believe he won't be available for Game 1 of the Panthers' qualifying round series against the Islanders. The 24-year-old blueliner racked up five goals and 41 points in 67 games during the regular season.

Ekblad (undisclosed) isn't participating in Wednesday's practice, George Richards of Panthers Press Box reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad's been a full participant in camp up until now, so it wouldn't be surprising if he's simply getting a day off Wednesday. Another update on the 24-year-old blueliner will undoubtedly surface once he's able to return to the ice with his teammates.

Ekblad set a new career high in assists (36) and points (41) in 67 games before play was paused in mid-March.

EDGE Analysis

How on earth is this guy still just 24? Ekblad has now skated in six full NHL campaigns and finally looks to be the 50-point threat the Panthers hoped they were drafting first overall back in 2014. It probably helps that he's not expected to the shoulder the majority of the offensive load from the back end thanks to veteran Keith Yandle and his 45 points, and first-year Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville historically knows how to get a lot out of his blueliners (see: Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook). For an influence of Coach Q on Ekblad's game, look no further than the hit column -- he's recorded just 34 after 114 last year, suggesting a renewed, more disciplined focus toward offense. It also doesn't hurt that Ekblad has Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov, who sit 10th and 30th in league scoring (respectively) to dish the puck to on a regular basis, either.

Ekblad picked up two assists Saturday in a 4-1 win over Montreal.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad reached 40 points (41; five goals, 36 assists) for the first time in his NHL career. And at this rate, he will flirt with 50 points on the season. He's always been a solid, top-four guy, but this year, Ekblad is taking the next big step.