Aaron Ekblad's World Cup is reportedly over.
While rumors swirl about the defender's health after he took a hard hit from Leo Komarov on Sunday, CBC's Scott Oake reports Tuesday afternoon that the Florida Panthers are taking no chances with the 20-year-old and summoning him home for evaluation.
On broadcast, @ScottOake reporting Aaron Ekblad to head back to FLA in next couple of days for evaluation by team doctors.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 20, 2016
At this time, seems more cautionary than anything long-term with Ekblad.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 20, 2016
Earlier Tuesday, North America head coach Todd McLellan said Ekblad's day to day with an upper-body injury. A Monday report had the D-man suffering from concussion-like symptoms, while TSN's Bob McKenzie said Tuesday a concussion had yet to be diagnosed, and that Ekblad was receiving treatment for a stiff neck.
Nobody knows, in other words, the extent of Ekblad's injury, save for the Panthers.
Florida Panthers GM Tom Rowe on Aaron Ekblad: 'We're not going to risk anything, there's too much at stake.' #WCH2016
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) September 20, 2016
Ekblad played 23:23 against Finland in North America's tournament opener. He sat out Monday's loss to Russia.
It's a big loss for the under-23 team, as Ekblad is the team's best defenseman, and was serving as an alternate captain. He's already had issues with concussions in his young career.
Another defender, Ryan Murray, didn't practice Tuesday, but it was ruled a maintenance day for the Columbus Blue Jacket.
Regarding the thinning North America defense. World Cup rules only allow for emergency replacement when team drops below 20 skaters.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) September 20, 2016
Jacob Trouba drew into the lineup Monday and played 16:48, finishing minus-2 with one shot, two hits, and a blocked shot. He'll play again Wednesday.
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