Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad out vs. Ducks with undisclosed injury

Ekblad has one assist through two games, averaging 20:55 of ice time. Last season, the 30-year-old blueliner had four goals and 22 assists for 26 points, averaging 22:29 of ice time in 72 games.

In 13 NHL seasons, Ekblad has 122 goals and 285 assists for 407 points, averaging 22:51 in 806 regular-season games. The Windsor, Ont., native has also played in 83 playoff games, where he’s scored eight goals and added 25 assists for 33 points while averaging 23:44.

He helped the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.

Earlier in the day, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice has confirmed that forward Brad Marchand will make his 2026-27 season debut. Marchand is coming off his first full season with the Panthers, where he had 27 goals and 27 assists for 54 points in 62 games.

The Panthers are 1-0-1 with three points through two games this season. They defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 1-0 in overtime in the regular-season opener, then lost 4-3 in OT to the Sharks.

Florida finished the 2025-26 season with a 40-38-4 record with 84 points. They finished seventh in the division and 15 points out of a Wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.

Sam Reinhart led the team in all offensive categories with 29 goals and 32 assists for 61 points. Sam Bennett had 26 goals and 32 assists for 58 points, while Carter Verhaeghe.