Ekblad expected to miss start of camp due to playoff injuries

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad is unlikely to be ready for the start of training camp in September due to a slew of injuries he sustained during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he confirmed Thursday to Panthers reporter Colby Guy.

Ekblad broke his foot in Game 2 of the opening round against the Boston Bruins, then dislocated his shoulder in the Eastern Conference Final versus the Carolina Hurricanes. The 27-year-old only missed one game and ultimately notched eight points across 20 postseason contests while averaging nearly 24 minutes per game.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said following Tuesday's Game 5 loss that Ekblad also tore his oblique.

Ekblad wasn't the only Panthers defenseman who battled significant injuries, as Maurice revealed Radko Gudas suffered a high-ankle sprain that normally would have required six weeks of rehab. The gritty blue-liner ultimately missed a single period as Florida fell three wins short of capturing the Stanley Cup.

Panthers superstar Matthew Tkachuk was held out of Game 5 due to a broken sternum, and Eetu Luostarinen missed the entire final due to a broken tibia.