Ekblad (undisclosed) will miss Thursday's game against the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

The specific nature and severity of Ekblad's injury is currently unknown, but even if he's sidelined for an extended stretch, coach Paul Maurice fully expects the veteran defender to be ready for the first game of Florida's first-round playoff series. It's been somewhat of a dissapointing season for Ekblad from an offensive standpoint, as he's only picked up 18 points through 51 games, but he's recorded an admirable plus-27 rating over that stretch as a key fixture on the Panthers' blue line.

Ekblad (undisclosed) won't return to Tuesday's game versus the Canadiens, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad saw just 7:16 of ice time in this contest. He recently returned from a lower-body injury that cost him seven contests, but the Panthers didn't elaborate on why he exited Tuesday's game. If he can't play Thursday versus the Senators, Josh Mahura or Tobias Bjornfot would draw into the lineup.

Ekblad (lower body) failed to record a point in 22:13 of ice time during Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Returning from a seven-game absence caused by a collision with Vladimir Tarasenko, Ekblad saw his usual workload and was leaned on heavily on the penalty kill, seeing 7:47 of ice time with Florida down a man. It's been a tough season overall for the 28-year-old blueliner, who has only four goals and 17 points in 48 games, but with the Panthers having already clinched a playoff spot, Ekblad will try to use the final weeks of the regular season to regain his top form.

Ekblad (lower body) will be back in the lineup versus the Islanders on Thursday, according to George Richards of Florida Hockey Now.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad sat out seven games with the injury. Ekblad missed the first 16 games of the season, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and has struggled offensively. The 28-year-old blueliner has only four goals and 17 points in 47 games. If he is unable to pick up the pace, he will miss hitting double digits in goals for only the second time in 10 years. Ekblad will line up alongside Gustav Forsling on the blue line and should see some second-unit power-play time.

Ekblad (lower body) is "close" to returning, but coach Paul Maurice wants the defender to log at least two "heavy practices" before rejoining the lineup, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad will miss a seventh straight contest Tuesday against Boston, but it sounds like he could be ready to return sooner rather than later. The 28-year-old vet has had a down year from an offensive standpoint, picking up just 17 points through 47 contests.

Ekblad (lower body) will be unavailable for at least two weeks and he'll be considered day-to-day afterward, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad was injured in a collision with teammate Vladimir Tarasenko in Saturday's 5-1 win over Calgary. The 28-year-old Ekblad has four goals, 17 points, 94 shots on net, 55 blocked shots and 78 hits in 47 games this season. Josh Mahura is expected to draw into the lineup during Ekblad's absence, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson will slot in alongside Gustav Forsling.

Ekblad won't return to Saturday's game against Calgary due to a lower-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad logged just 5:10 of ice time versus the Flames. He sustained the injury when he collided with a teammate, according to Colby Guy of FloridaHockeyNow.com. Ekblad entered Saturday's action with four goals, 17 points, 44 PIM, 76 hits and 55 blocks in 46 appearances in 2023-24. Tobias Bjornfot, who was claimed off waivers from Vegas on Friday, might draw into the lineup Tuesday versus Dallas if Ekblad isn't available.

Ekblad (lower body) is expected to be in the lineup versus the Senators on Tuesday, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad has been struggling to produce offensively of late, as he has managed just one point in his last nine outings while adding 25 shots on goal, 15 hits and 12 blocked shots. The blueliner's return to action will likely lead to Josh Mahura getting scratched Tuesday.

Ekblad (lower body) won't play Saturday versus the Lightning, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad, who is considered day-to-day, will be replaced in the lineup by Josh Mahura. The 28-year-old Ekblad has three goals, 14 points, 79 shots on net, 45 blocked shots and 60 hits across 37 appearances this season.

Ekblad recorded seven shots against Washington on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Despite Ekblad putting up a season-high seven shots, he remains stuck in a six-game pointless streak dating back to Jan. 19 versus Minnesota. At his current pace, the defenseman could record his second-lowest point total over the seven campaigns.