Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad exited a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after just 41 seconds due to a hit from Scott Sabourin, with no updates on his injury status; the game featured a record 312 penalty minutes. In other Atlantic Division news, Joe Veleno is likely to secure a roster spot with the Canadiens, while the Maple Leafs’ Easton Cowan may debut in the NHL as the team evaluates its roster.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that star forward William Nylander will miss the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets due to a lower-body injury, considered day-to-day; he has been their leading scorer this season with 15 points in nine games. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues are struggling with a 3-6-1 record, and NHL Central Scouting has updated its draft rankings, with Gavin McKenna retaining the top spot. Want More Context? 🔎
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