Senators winger William Eklund out indefinitely with ankle injury

Ottawa Senators winger William Eklund will be sidelined for an extended period after suffering an ankle injury during the first period of Thursday's 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Eklund was hit awkwardly into the boards by Flyers defenseman Simon Benoit and was unable to put weight on his left leg as he headed to the tunnel. The winger did not return to the game. Coach Travis Green confirmed Friday the injury is to Eklund's ankle and said recovery will take weeks, with worst-case scenarios potentially extending into months. "It's an ankle injury. He'll be out an extended period of time. I don't know how long, but he's out for an extended period, unfortunately," Green said.

If the injury is confirmed as a high ankle sprain, the recovery timeline is typically at least six to eight weeks — the type of injury that can linger throughout a season. Green said Eklund will not require surgery and is expected to play again this season.

Eklund was brought to Ottawa to play on the left wing alongside Tim Stutzle and was starting to look comfortable in his first games with his new teammates when the injury occurred. The Senators acquired him from San Jose, sending a draft pick in return. Eklund has two points in four games so far this season and came to the team with a track record of consistent production across his career with San Jose and Ottawa.