The Florida Panthers are getting into the ultimate few weeks of the season and try to seize the highest spot within the Atlantic Division. The defending Stanley Cup champions path the Toronto Maple Leafs by one level with a 43-25-3 file and 89 factors.
Nevertheless, the workforce is being held again by accidents to Brad Marchand, Dmitry Kulikov, and Matthew Tkachuk, together with a suspension to Aaron Ekblad. They haven’t been 100% since coming back from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, and with inconsistent performances of late, the workforce’s lacking hyperlinks may value them the Division title until they flip it round shortly.
Aaron Ekblad
Defenseman Aaron Ekblad‘s absence is a shock. He was suspended for 20 video games after violating the NHL and NHLPA’s coverage on performance-enhancing medicine.
“Finally, I made a mistake by taking one thing to assist me recuperate from latest accidents with out first checking with correct medical and workforce personnel,” Ekblad stated. “I’ve let my teammates, the Panthers group and our nice followers down. For that, I’m actually sorry. I’ve accepted accountability for my mistake and can be totally ready to return to my workforce when my suspension is over. I’ve realized a tough lesson and can’t wait to be again with my teammates.”
– Aaron Ekblad on his constructive drug take a look at
He is not going to be eligible to return to the Panthers’ lineup till Sport 3 of the primary spherical of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Aaron Ekblad has spent his complete 11-season profession with the Florida Panthers (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
This is without doubt one of the greatest hits to the roster as a result of it was so sudden. The workforce managed to get Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks earlier than the 2025 Commerce Deadline, however he is probably not sufficient of a stopgap to fill the void Ekblad left on the blue line.
Brad Marchand
Normal supervisor Invoice Zito shook the hockey world when he acquired long-time Boston Bruins ahead and captain Brad Marchand. It solely value him a conditional second-round choose within the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
Sadly, he was sidelined on March 1 with an upper-body damage and is listed as week-to-week. On the intense aspect, in line with head coach Paul Maurice, his long-awaited look is anticipated to come back Friday evening towards the Utah Hockey Membership. With extra reps, he needs to be a key piece for the Panthers to get one other shot on the Cup.
Dmitry Kulikov
Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov suffered an upper-body damage towards the New York Islanders on March 16 and can be listed as week-to-week. This can be a large blow to the roster, leaving the defensive pairings very skinny on depth. Because of this, the workforce referred to as up Tobias Bjornfot. Nevertheless, Kulikov is anticipated to return earlier than the top of the common season, giving him some video games earlier than the playoffs start.
Matthew Tkachuk
Ahead Matthew Tkachuk has been out of the lineup for the reason that 4-Nations Face-Off, the place he injured his groin. The workforce has since positioned him on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to allocate his $9.5 million cap hit elsewhere.
The timetable for his return stays unknown, however the Panthers wish to have him again for the playoffs, contemplating he has thrived previously two postseasons.
Can the Panthers Overcome the Absences?
The Atlantic Division race is extraordinarily tight. One level separates the Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Maple Leafs for the highest spot. Sadly, the Panthers must limp to the end line this season.
The plan is to remain afloat down the stretch. If they’ll safe a excessive seed, the trail to repeat as champions can be a little bit simpler, particularly as soon as everybody on the roster is 100%.
