Ekblad unlikely to return this season

The season appears all but over for Aaron Ekblad.

The Florida Panthers defenseman is not expected to return to the lineup this season, general manager and interim head coach Tom Rowe told George Richards of the Miami Herald on Monday.

Ekblad has missed the last six games with a neck injury. He most recently played March 21 against the Carolina Hurricanes after missing the four prior contests with a concussion.

Rowe said March 25 that he regretted playing Ekblad so soon after the head injury.

"I wish we didn't," he told Richards. "That's on me. The doctors cleared him, our medical staff cleared him, but I had some reservations and I wish I stayed with my gut. That's no one's fault but my own."

It's been a disappointing third season for Ekblad, who recorded just 21 points in 68 games this season.

On the injury front, Rowe added that he'd be surprised if starter Roberto Luongo returns this season. The veteran netminder has missed the past 15 games with a lower-body injury.

Florida has four games remaining and is back in action Monday against the Montreal Canadiens.