What Happened
William Eklund, a new addition to the Ottawa Senators, exited Thursday's home opener during the first period after appearing to be in significant pain on the ice. The team did not provide a post-game update on his condition. Ottawa was already missing its top defence pair and had questions about Linus Ullmark, who did not finish his previous road start. Andre Burakovsky, out since a pre-season game against Montreal, skated with the team Thursday and could return this weekend.
Key Details
- Eklund left Thursday's home opener in the first period and no post-game update was given.
- Ottawa is already without its top defence pair.
- Linus Ullmark did not finish his previous start on the road.
- Andre Burakovsky has been out since a pre-season game versus Montreal.
- Burakovsky skated with the team Thursday and could return this weekend.
- Scoring depth was a concern for Ottawa before the season started.
What It Means
Eklund's exit adds to an early-season injury list that already includes Ottawa's top defence pair and a goaltending question around Ullmark. Losing Eklund for any length of time would put more pressure on a forward group that was already viewed as thin offensively before the season. Burakovsky's return to practice is a positive step, but the Senators' scoring depth remains a question mark.
What's Next
The Senators are expected to provide an update on Eklund's condition. Burakovsky could return to the lineup as soon as this weekend, which would give Ottawa another offensive option while it manages the rest of its injuries.