Report: Panthers, Ekblad targeting return for late next week

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad with miss at least another two games as his return is reportedly being targeted for Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.

Ekblad has already missed a pair as a result of being smashed into the boards from behind by Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Hendricks.

The defenseman is officially out with an upper-body injury, but reportedly entered into the league's concussion protocol after being wobbled by the crash.

Hendricks is serving a three-game suspension for his part.