What Happened
Ottawa Senators forward William Eklund left Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first period with a lower-body injury. The team announced he would not return. Midway through the opening frame, Eklund took a hit from Flyers defenceman Samuel Benoit and was unable to put weight on his left leg. He was assisted to the Senators' dressing room.
Key Details
- Eklund was injured midway through the first period on a hit from Flyers defenceman Samuel Benoit.
- He could not bear weight on his left leg and needed help getting to the dressing room.
- The Senators ruled him out for the rest of Thursday's game.
- Eklund, 23, is in his first season with Ottawa after a trade from San Jose.
- Ottawa sent a first-round pick to the Sharks for Eklund ahead of the 2026 draft.
- He has one goal and one assist in three games this season.
What It Means
Eklund is an early-season addition to Ottawa's top forward group, and losing him for any stretch would test the team's depth. The Senators acquired him from San Jose for a first-round pick ahead of the 2026 draft, so his availability matters to how the lineup is deployed. The severity of the lower-body injury has not been disclosed, leaving his status uncertain beyond Thursday's game.
What's Next
The Senators are expected to provide an update on Eklund's condition, which will determine whether he misses additional games. Ottawa's next game is not specified in the source.