Panthers' Aaron Ekblad: Could miss up to next five games

Ekblad (neck) will not accompany the team on an upcoming four-game road trip, the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis:

Of course, this news also rules out the playmaking defenseman for Saturday's home contest against the Blackhawks. "He's feeling good but we're not going to rush him, be more patient with him," Panthers coach and GM Tom Rowe said. This latest injury -- Ekblad recently overcame a concussion -- comes at an awful time since it's around the fantasy hockey playoffs. Still not on IR, he will be shooting for an April 3 return against the Habs.