NHL's top pick Ekblad sustains concussion in exhibition game
The Florida Panthers are already dealing with an injury to their top rookie just over a month after selecting him with the top pick in the NHL draft. Aaron Ekblad sustained a concussion in an exhibition game against the Czech Republic at Canada's world junior summer development camp, Team Canada and the Panthers announced.
He will be held out of the rest of summer development camp, but is expected to be ready for Panthers rookie camp in September.
Ekblad, a defenseman, was the top pick in June's draft after playing last season with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League.
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Panthers GM Dale Tallon released a statement on Ekblad's injury:
"As announced earlier today by Team Canada, D Aaron Ekblad suffered a concussion during an exhibition game last night. We have been in communication with Team Canada and have mutually agreed to hold Aaron out for the remainder of the summer development camp, as a precautionary measure. We will closely monitor Aaron’s health for the remainder of the off-season and expect him to be ready for our rookie camp in mid-September."
Ekblad was injured on a hit from Czech Lukas Klok with 6:08 remaining in the third period.
- Alex Hampl