Fort Lauderdale – The Florida Panthers, who already own a 2-0 lead in the first round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, are looking to get a big boost in the backend.
Aaron Eckblad is back.
After offering a 20-game suspension for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Improvement Substances program, the top pair defensemen will eventually return to the lineup when they host Lightning in Game 3 at Amerant Bank Arena on Saturday.
“It’s huge for us,” forward Evan Rodriguez said. “Obviously he’s an elite defender.”
Before receiving the suspension, Ekblad averaged a team-high 23:31 ice time with a 33 points (3 goals, 30 assists) and a +11 plus/min rating, an 56-game team-high 23:31.
The key player for the special teams of the Defending Stanley Cup champions averaged more than two minutes per contest in both power plays (2:41) and penalty kills (2:26).
“It’s a very unusual situation,” coach Paul Maurice said of Eckblad’s return. “Usually players who go out for 20 games have serious injuries, which really affect their rehabilitation. I think Aaron is probably in the best shape of his life. We’ll bring him back with his partner.”
In his return, Ekblad is expected to be reunited with Gustav throwing away in the top pair.
The stubborn duo, the Panthers had a 56.03% share of 5-5 shot attempts when Eckblad and Forang were on the ice together during the amazing playoff run to the Stanley Cup last year.
During the 2024-25 regular season, Florida led 41-29 in goal as the pair was deployed.
Ekblad, who was unable to work with his teammates on most of his suspension, said he spent a lot of time creating his own drills based on what he was doing during the game.
“I was still able to skate and work out and create a program above myself,” Ekblad, who was allowed to rejoin the Panthers on April 12th with his official abilities.
Overall, the Panthers are happy to go back to the ice and locker room with No. 5.
“It’s certainly a big thing,” Miccola said. “On the ice, he’s a great player. He’s been part of the group for a long time. In the locker room, he’s a big guy and a big character. It’s great to bring him back.”
