Eklund Exits Senators' Home Opener With Lower-Body Injury

William Eklund left Ottawa's home opener against Philadelphia in the first period after taking a hit from Simon Benoit. The Senators ruled him out for the rest of the game, and no recovery timeline has been provided. Eklund had been playing on Ottawa's top line and had one goal and one assist in three games.

Eklund was injured in the opening period of Ottawa’s first home game, after Simon Benoit completed a check along the boards. The Senators announced he would not return, but they did not specify the injury or offer a recovery timeline. Reports said he required assistance leaving the ice and could not bear weight on the affected leg.

Ottawa had been 2-1-0 and Eklund was playing alongside Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson. He had one goal and one assist in three games. Acquired from San Jose for the No. 9 pick in June, he carries a three-year, $5.6 million cap hit and posted 58 points in 2024-25 and 53 last season. Ottawa was also missing Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub, while Linus Ullmark had just returned.

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