- Last week, it was reported that Florida Panthers’ defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour would be returning to practice in non-contact jerseys on Sunday, as both players are still recovering from shoulder surgery needed after the team’s run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. In an exciting update on their recovery process, Jameson Olive of the NHL reports that once the Panthers return from their West Coast road trip next week, there is a chance either one of them could appear in a game during that homestand. With a record of 5-4-1 to start the year, the team could certainly benefit from getting both of these defensemen back in the lineup.