Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said Tuesday he expects top defenceman Aaron Ekblad to return to the lineup Saturday when they host the Edmonton Oilers.
Ekblad sustained a lower-body injury against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 17.
The 26-year-old Ekblad, who was drafted first overall by the Panthers in 2014, had one goal in three games prior to leaving the lineup.
There is still no timetable set for Patric Hornqvist, who sustained an upper-body injury during Thursday's 4-3 shootout victory over the San Jose Sharks.
The 35-year-old forward has one goal in 11 games this season and is averaging just 9:38 minutes of ice time per game.
The Panthers are fifth in the Atlantic Division with a 7-5-1 record, including three wins in their past five games, and next play host to the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday.
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