Florida Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad to return to lineup for Game 1 of playoffs

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice confirmed to the media this morning that defenseman Aaron Ekblad is ready to go for Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Ekblad left April 2nd’s 5-3 loss against the Montreal Canadiens with an injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with hopes of a Game 1 return. This was just the fourth game since Ekblad returned to the lineup following a two-week absence.

Ekblad has notched four goals and 14 assists for 18 points, averaging 21:08 of ice time this season with the Panthers.

The Windsor, Ontario product was oringally selected No. 1 overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Ekblad won the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year in 2014-15. In 675 career games, Ekblad has 115 goals and 232 assists for 347 points.

A large part of the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals last spring, Ekblad had two goals and six assists for eight points, averaging 23:57 of ice time in 20 games.

The Panthers rounded out the 2023-24 regular season in first place in the Atlantic Division with a 52-24-6 record and 110 points through 82 games. The Panthers are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.