TORONTO -- Team North America will have to take on the powerful Russians without its best defenseman.
Aaron Ekblad didn't dress for Monday night's World Cup of Hockey game because of an upper-body injury and was replaced in the lineup by Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba.
According to an NHL source, Ekblad's injury is a mild concussion.
Ekblad led North America in ice time during its impressive 4-1 win over Finland on Sunday, finishing at 23:53. The former rookie of the year has played well in this tournament with partner Morgan Rielly and has been leaned on by coach Todd McLellan for the toughest assignments.
Ekblad had 15 goals in 78 games last year for the Florida Panthers, finishing 16th in Norris voting at just 20 years of age.
