NHL.com reports that Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad is on track to return for the playoffs.
Aaron Ekblad took part in the morning skate with the Panthers on Tuesday and is on track to return for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) April 20, 2022
The defenseman has not played since March 18 because of a lower-body injury.
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Ekblad took part in the Panthers’ morning skate on Tuesday but hasn’t played since March 18 due to a lower-body injury. He has scored a career-high 57 points this season, recording 15 goals and 42 assists in 61 games.
Florida head coach Andrew Brunette said of Ekblad, “It was good to see him out there today with the group a little bit. He skated yesterday. So he’s been skating last week or so. We have to be very conscious with him a little bit. We don’t want to push him too hard. His body will tell him when he’s ready to go, but it was a positive sign to see him.”
The Panthers are first in the Eastern Conference with a 55-15-6 record.
Over at FanDuel Sportsbook, the Florida Panthers are favored to come out of the East and are +550 to win the Stanley Cup.