Brunette: 'Nothing overly concerning long term' about Ekblad's injury

Aaron Ekblad and the Florida Panthers appear to have avoided a major injury scare.

Panthers interim head coach Andrew Brunette said Sunday it's "probably fair to say" Ekblad is considered week-to-week, according to the Miami Herald's David Wilson.

Brunette added the club will know more once the swelling in the injured area decreases, according to team reporter Jameson Olive. He also said there's "nothing overly concerning long term" about the injury.

Ekblad had to be helped off the ice with an apparent leg injury after an awkward collision during the Panthers' win over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday. Brunette said at the time that there was "nothing structural" about Ekblad's injury and that the diagnosis appeared "way better" than the team expected.

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported Sunday that Florida will place Ekblad on long-term injured reserve and that he'll miss the rest of the regular season before returning "sometime during the first round" of the playoffs. If the Panthers go that route, Ekblad will only be required to sit out a minimum of 10 games and 24 days.

Florida has 20 regular-season games remaining. Its schedule runs until April 29 following the delayed start to the 2021-2022 season.

The Panthers added defensive depth Sunday, acquiring Robert Hagg from the Buffalo Sabres for a 2022 sixth-round pick. Florida also landed rearguard Ben Chiarot in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.