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Collision with Tarasenko puts Ekblad on IR for at least two weeks

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad will be sidelined at least two weeks with a lower-body injury.

He will be considered day-to-day after that period, head coach Paul Maurice announced Monday.

Ekblad, 28, was injured in the first period of Saturday's 5-1 win over Calgary when he collided with new teammate Vladimir Tarasenko.

Ekblad has recorded 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) through 47 games this season, his 10th with the Panthers. He is averaging 21:08 per game, third on the team in ice time, after Brandon Montour and Gustav Forsling.

The No. 1 overall pick in 2014 and the Calder Memorial Trophy winner in 2014-15, Ekblad is a two-time All-Star with 346 points (115 goals, 231 assists) in 672 career games.