Ekblad's Absence Clarified as Illness; Expected to Play Monday vs. Nashville

Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers) missed Saturday's game against the Oilers due to an illness, clarifying that his absence was not from a previously reported upper-body injury. Ekblad is expected to be fine for Monday's game in Nashville, though his status should be confirmed prior to the contest. The 29-year-old defenseman had not missed a game this season before Saturday, recording five points and a minus-5 rating over 20 appearances.