BREAKING: First Overall Pick Placed on LTIR

The Florida Panthers will see the puck drop on their 2023-24 season in a matter of hours, but unfortunately, they'll now officially do so without a key piece of their blue line.

Already without Sam Bennett, the Panthers have now officially placed Aaron Ekblad on Long Term Injury Reserve in order to facilitate the arrival of Justin Sourdif who will replace Bennett.

This will be a key loss for a Panthers team that has a massive target on their back after the success they achieved in the playoffs a season ago, and with four tough games to start their year, this isn't a good sign.

In 71 games a season ago, Ekblad tallied 14 goals and 38 points while contributing as a physical presence on the Panthers blue line, and now they look to replicate that success with a few big losses on their roster.

As Read on Litter Box Cats - Panthers recall Sourdif, place Ekblad on LTIR

MUST READ

32 minutes ago  |  By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes Ejected: Suspension May be Coming for the Reigning Norris Winner

1 hour ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

3 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

6 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

8 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

9 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

10 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

12 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Jordan Reaves Calls Out Darnell Nurse After He Plays the Victim Following Hit From Brother Ryan

MORE STORIES