What Happened
Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green told reporters Friday that forward William Eklund will be out an extended period of time with an ankle injury. The injury occurred midway through the first period of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, when Eklund took a hit from Flyers defenceman Samuel Benoit. He was unable to put weight on his left leg and was assisted to the dressing room. Green added that it remains unclear whether surgery will be required.
Key Details
- Eklund was injured midway through the first period Thursday against Philadelphia.
- The hit came from Flyers defenceman Samuel Benoit.
- He could not bear weight on his left leg and was helped off the ice.
- No decision has been made on whether surgery is needed.
- Eklund has one goal and one assist in four games this season.
- Ottawa acquired him from San Jose ahead of the 2026 draft for a first-round pick.
What It Means
Eklund, 23, is in his first season with Ottawa after arriving from San Jose for a first-round pick, so an extended absence removes a newly acquired top-of-lineup forward from the Senators' attack. He had one goal and one assist through four games, and his career totals stand at 51 goals and 165 points in 255 games. The pending surgery question leaves the length of his absence unresolved.
What's Next
Ottawa will await a decision on whether Eklund needs surgery, which would clarify his recovery timeline. In the meantime, the Senators must fill his spot in the lineup while he is unavailable.