Panthers’ Ekblad dealt with multiple injuries during playoffs

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad dealt with multiple injuries during playoffs

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Mike Gould | Last updated 6/14/23

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad played with a broken foot and dealt with multiple other injuries throughout his team’s run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice revealed the extent of Ekblad’s injuries in his media availability after his team dropped the decisive Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights by a 9–3 score.

According to Maurice, Ekblad broke his foot during the Panthers’ quarterfinal series victory over the Boston Bruins way back in April. The 27-year-old only missed one game as the Panthers embarked upon a Cinderella playoff run to within three wins of their first championship.

Maurice also revealed that Ekblad suffered two separate shoulder dislocations and a torn oblique muscle as the Panthers defeated the Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Carolina Hurricanes en route to the Final.

Paul Maurice said Aaron Ekblad suffered a broken foot (in the Boston series), two separate shoulder dislocations and a torn oblique.

Unbelievable.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 14, 2023

Even while dealing with all those injuries, Ekblad averaged 24 minutes a night and collected eight points (two goals, six assists) in 20 games with the Panthers during the 2023 playoffs.

The Panthers originally selected Ekblad with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-4rearguard, who shoots right, has dealt with significant injury issues in recent seasons but has remained one of the National Hockey League’s top offensive defensemen throughout his career.

Ekblad has appeared in 625 games over nine seasons with the Panthers, collecting 111 goals and 329 points. He’s added three goals and 14 points in 40 career playoff contests.

Ultimately, Ekblad and the Panthers will remain in search of their first-ever Stanley Cup. The Golden Knights defeated the Panthers four games to one in the 2023 Final to capture hockey’s top team prize in only their sixth season as an NHL franchise.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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