from Matt Larkin of The Hockey News,

Even if the Panthers squeaked into the post-season, they’d likely do so as a No. 8 seed and secure a date with the Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins. Florida won’t challenge for the Stanley Cup this year, no matter what. So why even consider bringing Ekblad back this season?

Ekblad has as many concussions as seasons played in the NHL so far in his career, and that should terrify the Panthers. He’s a stud. He had one of the most productive starts to a career ever for a teenage defenseman. His third season, though, stands out as his weakest to date. The Panthers have to hope the head and neck injuries aren’t starting to take their toll already and affect his play, especially when they’ve invested eight seasons at a $7.5-million cap hit for his services, paying him through to unrestricted free agency in 2024-25.

If Panthers are smart, they’ve learned from Lindros and understand how little they have to gain bringing Ekblad back this season. They have a hell of a lot to lose if they take a chance on reinserting him.

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