Panthers D Ekblad leaves game vs Ducks with lower-body injury

Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad left Friday's 3-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks with a lower-body injury and did not return.

Injury update: Defenseman Aaron Ekblad will not return to tonight’s game (lower body). #FLAvsANA

The injury occurred early in the first period when Ekblad collided with both Ducks defenceman Cam Fowler and Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov. Ekblad needed assistance to get off the ice and into the Panthers' dressing room.

Panthers interim head coach Andrew Brunette said there's no structural damage with the injury and Ekblad will be checked again tomorrow.

Andrew Brunette said there's "nothing structural" with Aaron Ekblad's injury. He'll be checked again tomorrow.

Ekblad, 26, is having a career season scoring 15 goals and 57 points in 60 games.

The Windsor, Ont., native has 97 goals and 291 points in 553 career games, all with the Panthers