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Major Update for Panthers Star Aaron Ekblad After Suffering Hand Injury

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 6:26 PM ET

The Florida Panthers have provided a major update on the status of defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who was hurt in Game 2 after blocking a shot with his hand.

The Florida Panthers tied the Stanley Cup Final at 1-1 after Brad Marchand's 2OT goal on Friday night in Game 2 , preventing the Edmonton Oilers from taking a 2-0 lead and ensuring the series will go at least 5 games.

Panthers fans got a scare during the game in the 2nd overtime after defenseman Aaron Ekblad blocked a shot from Edmonton's Darnell Nurse with his hand, causing immediate pain while cameras caught him falling over in distress on the bench while he was attended to by a trainer.

Not long after that, Marchand scored the winning goal, ending the game.

Ekblad has since participated in practice with the Panthers and is expected to play in Monday's Game 3 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.

Ekblad later said after practice that the injury was a 'stinger' but that he's feeling better now.

When you get that stinger you can't really grip for a second, but all good now.

He has 11 points (3G, 8A) in 15 postseason games for the Panthers, who are now only 3 wins away from a 2nd straight Stanley Cup win.

Ekblad is also a pending UFA, though he stated his preference is to remain with the Panthers for as long as they'll let him come to the rink.

I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers. I bleed for the Florida Panthers. I've given my body and everything to this team. I want to keep doing it forever, for as long as they let me come to the rink.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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