Panthers' Brunette: 'There's a chance' Ekblad returns for Game 1

The Florida Panthers might get star defenseman Aaron Ekblad back for Game 1 of their first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals.

"There's a chance," interim head coach Andrew Brunette said Sunday, according to team reporter Jameson Olive.

Brunette added Ekblad had a "full workload" at practice Sunday, but the team still needs to "see where he's at," according to The Hockey News' Erin Brown.

Ekblad has been sidelined since March 18 when he suffered an apparent leg injury. While it initially looked like a brutal blow, it was revealed there was no structural damage as the diagnosis appeared much better than initially feared.

The 26-year-old was in the midst of a career season when the injury occurred. Despite only playing 61 games, he tallied a career-high 57 points.