Key Panthers defenseman suffers injury in Game 3 vs. Boston

After Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad left Friday’s loss to Boston early with an injury, they’ve opted to bring up some extra depth on the back end. Florida has recalled blueliner Lucas Carlsson from Charlotte of the AHL, per the AHL’s transactions log.

The 25-year-old spent the majority of this season with the Checkers and was one of the top-scoring defensemen in the minors, collecting 20 goals and 34 assists in 61 games. That helped earn him a spot on the second All-Star team. For context, his career goal total in the AHL heading into this season was 18 in 143 contests. He’s off to a nice start to the playoffs as well, picking up four points in three games in their first-round victory over Lehigh Valley.

However, despite how well Carlsson performed in the minors, it didn’t translate into much NHL time as he played just twice for Florida this season. By comparison, he suited up in 40 contests for the Panthers last year, a career-high.

Even if Ekblad isn’t able to play, there’s a chance that Carlsson won’t be the one taking his place in the lineup. The Panthers also have Casey Fitzgerald and rookie Michael Benning on the active roster and one of them could get the nod as well. But if they’re looking for someone to play on the power play especially, Carlsson could be an interesting addition to the lineup with how things have gone for him this season in Charlotte.