Aaron Ekblad Has Injury Status Revealed

Head Coach Paul Maurice revealed that Ekblad will likely miss the final six games of the regular season but is confident that Ekblad will be ready to go for Game 1 of the playoffs.

In 51 games this season, the 28 year old, has scored 4 goals and 18 points while averaging 20:51 in ice time. Ekblad was a huge part of the Panthers' run to the Stanley Cup Finals last spring. The former 1st overall pick from 2014, scored 2 goals and 8 points in 20 games while averaging 23:57 of ice time.

Florida's play has cooled off a bit down the stretch. In their last ten games the Panthers have a 2-7-1 record. They sit second in the Atlantic with a record of 47-24-5, four points back of the Boston Bruins for the top spot.

Whichever team finishes second, will likely have a meeting with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. The Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs in five games during their second round matchup last spring.

While the Ekblad injury news certainly hurts the Panthers, the good news is the injury isn't too severe and he should be back in time for the Panthers to go on another deep run.