SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers will be without top defenseman Aaron Ekblad on Saturday night when they take on the Edmonton Oilers in a much-anticipated rematch of the past two Stanley Cup Finals.
The reason for Ekblad’s absence is not known at the moment.
Ekblad, a key part of Florida’s two Stanley Cup championship wins against the Oilers, took part in Friday’s lightly-attended practice but was one of a handful to not take part in the optional morning skate on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale.
He was spotted in the team room, however.
With Ekblad out, the Panthers will bring Donovan Sebrango back into the lineup.
During Saturday’s line rushes, Uvis Balinskis took Ekblad’s place on the right side of the top pairing with Gus Forsling; Sebrango replaced Balinskis with Jeff Petry.
This story will be updated
ON DECK: GAME No. 22
FLORIDA PANTHERS at NASHVILLE PREDATORS
