The Panthers are getting some help back on their blue line. Head coach Paul Maurice announced on Tuesday that defenseman Aaron Ekblad is "expected" to return on Saturday, Nov. 12 for the team.
Ekblad has been on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury. He was hurt during Florida's contest on Monday, Oct. 17 against Boston. The injury occurred at some point in the second period, causing him to leave the game and not return.
He skated with the team on Tuesday, marking the first team he has been on the ice with the Panthers since suffering the injury almost a month ago. Saturday is the earliest he can return, as he must stay on LTIR for the minimum of 24 days.
Navigating the waters without Ekblad is a situation that the Panthers have been familiar with. In the last two seasons, Ekblad has missed significant time with leg injuries. An injury ended his 2020-21 season early and last year, Ekblad missed the end of the regular season, but came back during the 2022 playoffs, albeit not at 100%.
In his absence, Gustav Forsling and Brandon Montour have seen an uptick in minutes. The team has performed OK with Eklbad out of the lineup, going 5-4-1 during the 10 games that Ekblad has missed so far.
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In the three games he has played in, Ekblad has recorded a goal, a blocked shot and four hits.
What is Aaron Ekblad's injury?
While the team simply labeled the ailment as a "lower-body injury", Fox Sports 640's Andy Slater reported that Ekblad is dealing with a Grade 2 groin strain.
JUST IN: Florida Panthers’ defenseman Aaron Ekblad has a Grade 2 groin strain, multiple sources tell me.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) October 18, 2022
It is different than Ekblad's previous injuries. In 2021, Ekblad's season was cut short by a left leg fracture and last year, Ekblad missed the end of the regular season with a right leg injury.
How long is Ekblad out for?
Since Ekblad is being placed on LTIR, the minimum time he can spend being sidelined is 10 games and 24 days, which is how long a player must miss in order to be eligible for long-term injured reserve.
Which is why at the very earliest, he is eligible to return on Saturday, Nov. 12. He already has sat for 10 games, but must sit the entire 24 days until he can come off LTIR.
With Eklblad coming back, that also means his contract comes off LTIR and counts again towards the cap. However, Patric Hornqvist is dealing with an injury that could place him out for the long-term. If Hornqvist's contract can be placed on LTIR, that opens up room to bring Ekblad back into the financial fold.
