Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Day-to-day with illness

Ekman-Larsson will miss Thursday's game with an illness and is considered day-to-day, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.

This is nearly the best-case scenario for the star blueliner's absence, as an illness shouldn't hold him out very long. Klas Dahlbeck will draw into the lineup in his place Thursday, but he doesn't possess the offensive skills of Ekman-Larsson. The 24-year-old will now aim for a return Saturday against the Capitals.