Former First Overall Pick Placed on LTIR by Panthers

The Florida Panthers had an incredible run in 2022-23, making it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, and now, the quest to go one step further this season officially begins.

A brutal blow on the eve of the season

The Panthers have already confirmed that forward Sam Bennett will miss the season opening matchup against Minnesota, but now, they've suffered a bigger blow.


While promoting Bennett's replacement, the Panthers have officially placed defenseman and former No. 1 overall pick Aaron Ekblad on Long Term Injury Reserve.


This is a big blow for Florida who saw Ekblad tally 38 points a season ago, and while there's a good chance he returns later in the season, this will hinder their ability to make a playoff push with plenty of teams now targeting the reigning Eastern Conference Champs.

As Read on MarkerZone - BREAKING: First Overall Pick Placed on LTIR