Panthers coach admits to rushing Aaron Ekblad back from concussion

The Florida Panthers rushed Aaron Ekblad back from a concussion and now they’re paying for it. 

Concussions can be a very scary thing. Even when you think you’re fully recovered from one, symptoms can return. After suffering a concussion, players often think they’re fine, but in reality, they’re anything but fine.

Aaron Ekblad has already suffered numerous concussions (no fewer than four in his NHL career). He suffered one earlier this season, but came back. However, Ekblad is now out with a sore neck. Florida Panthers head coach Tom Rowe admits he should have done more.

"“I’m not going to lie, I wish we didn’t [play him]. That’s on me,” Rowe said, via ESPN. “The doctors cleared him, our medical staff cleared him, but I had some reservations and I wish I stayed with my gut. That’s no one’s fault but my own.”"

To be fair to Rowe, he was put in a very difficult situation. It’s admirable he’s owning to his mistake. Though the doctors cleared him, at the end of the day, it’s Rowe’s job to determine if Ekblad is ready to play. The sore neck is likely part of the aftermath of his concussion. Florida has missed him dearly and his absence is a huge reason the team is currently not in a playoff spot.

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Rowe shouldn’t feel too awful. Many coaches in his conundrum would have happily done the same thing. Heck, most of them wouldn’t be willing to admit they made a mistake by letting Ekblad play. Rowe’s honesty is a bit refreshing.

If he has truly learned from it, the Panthers should be better off for it. Managing Ekblad’s health moving forward is going to be a bit tricky, but it sounds like Florida has the right coach to do it.