Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad is nearing a return to the lineup.

Ekblad was hurt back on March 9 when he collided with teammate Vladimir Tarasenko at center ice during Florida’s 5-1 over the Calgary Flames.

The lower-body injury has kept Ekblad out of the lineup since.

He began skating last week, spotted on the ice in a tracksuit ahead of Panthers practice at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida Head Coach Paul Maurice said after the injury that it would be around a two-week timetable for Ekblad to return, and that after they hit the 14-day mark, which was Saturday, Ekblad would likely be considered day-to-day.

Back at Holiday Park for Tuesday’s morning skate, Ekblad took things up a notch.

Dressed in full gear, Ekblad joined his teammates for their morning skate ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Boston Bruins at Amerant Bank Arena.

Ekblad won’t play, despite his desire to do so, but he’s very close to getting the green light.

“I think he’s close, he’s definitely day-to-day,” said Maurice. “He wants in, but we’re going to be real careful. We’re going to hold him longer than he wants us to hold him.”