April 25, 2025
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has completed his 20-game suspension and is eligible to return to the lineup for Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. Ekblad was suspended on March 10 for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. He missed the final 18 regular-season games and the first two playoff contests against the Lightning. The 29-year-old recorded 33 points (three goals, 30 assists), 106 shots, 64 blocks, and 90 hits over 56 regular-season appearances, averaging 23:31 of ice time. Uvis Balinskis is expected to come out of the lineup to make room for Ekblad, who will take a top-four role and join one of the power-play units.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
March 10, 2025
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games due to a violation of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. He will begin the suspension on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. With only 18 games left on the regular-season slate, the Panthers will begin the playoffs without Ekblad. The 29-year-old defenseman has recently enjoyed a six-game point streak, reaching 33 points (three goals, 30 assists) in 56 games for the season. Ekblad is also a big presence in the defensive zone, recording 64 blocks and 90 hits for the season. New arrival Seth Jones is expected to assume a larger role until Ekblad returns from suspension.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
January 25, 2025
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (upper body) is good to go for Saturday's game against the San Jose Sharks. After missing eight of the last nine games, Ekblad came through Friday's practice session without any issues. On Saturday morning, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that Ekblad will be re-inserted into the lineup for the meeting with the Sharks. Ekblad will rejoin his regular partner Gustav Forsling on the first defensive pairing, bumping Dmitry Kulikov and Nate Schmidt down in the lineup. Schmidt will also relinquish his spot on the first power-play unit to Ekblad, who leads the Panthers blue-liners with 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 41 games. Tobias Bjornfot will come out of the lineup as a healthy scratch.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
January 25, 2025
According to Jameson Olive of NHL.com, Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (upper body) practiced with the team on Friday. Olive noted that head coach Paul Maurice said the star defenseman "has a chance" to play against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday evening. The 28-year-old has missed eight of his previous nine games with this injury. However, seeing him skate alongside Gustav Forsling during practice suggests he is nearing a return. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status before the game on Saturday night. Through 41 games this season, Ekblad has scored twice and added 18 helpers. He has logged 59 hits, 55 blocked shots, and a +3 rating. If he does return to action, Tobias Bjornfot will likely exit the starting lineup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jameson Olive
RADIO
