William Eklund Ankle Injury: Ottawa Senators forward William Eklund will be sidelined for an “extended” period of time with a left ankle injury, head coach Travis Green announced Friday. Eklund, 23, got hurt when Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Simon Benoit hit him into the boards during the first period of Ottawa’s 2-1 win over the Flyers on Thursday.
The Swedish forward could not put weight on his left leg as he left for the tunnel and did not return to the game, according to ESPN. Ottawa still held on for the win, a result detailed in Total Apex Sports’ recap of the Senators’ 2-1 victory.
William Eklund Ankle Injury
Green told reporters he does not have a firm timetable for Eklund’s return. “I don’t know exactly how long,” Green said, describing the absence as extended rather than season-ending.
Green said he does not believe Eklund will require surgery and said he expects the forward back on the ice at some point during the regular season, according to NHL.com. No exact return date or games-missed estimate has been given.
How Ottawa Plans To Cover For Eklund’s Absence
No corresponding roster move or call-up has been announced to replace Eklund in Ottawa’s lineup. Green made clear the team’s focus stays on the players who are available rather than the one who is not.
“We don’t really talk about the guys who are out. We worry about our own game. The guys who are playing,” Green said.
“I think we’re more than capable of winning games if we’ve got some players injured. We’ve done it before. It’s as simple as that.”
Eklund’s Role And Production This Season
Eklund has two points, one goal and one assist, in four games for Ottawa this season. The winger was acquired by the Senators from the San Jose Sharks on June 23 in a deal that also brought forward Kasper Halttunen and the rights to prospect Brandon Svoboda to Ottawa in exchange for the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
San Jose selected Eklund with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Across 256 regular-season games with the Sharks and Senators, he has 165 points on 51 goals and 114 assists, including at least 15 goals and 45 points in each of the last three seasons.
What’s Next For The Senators
Ottawa is off to a 3-1-0 start this season. The Senators have not released a specific timeline for Eklund’s return, and Green’s comments indicate an update will likely come as the medical situation develops. Ottawa’s recent form, including wins detailed in Total Apex Sports’ coverage of the Senators’ win over the Bruins and the season-opening victory over the Maple Leafs, will be tested as the team adjusts its lineup without one of its top forwards.
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