Wikipedia

Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad(born February 7, 1996) is a Canadian professionalice hockeydefencemanandalternate captainfor theFlorida Panthersin theNational Hockey League(NHL). Ekblad was selected first overall in the 2011Ontario Hockey League(OHL) draft,[1]and he was selectedfirst overallby the Panthers in the2014 NHL entry draftand made his NHL debut that year.[2]In his first NHL season, Ekblad was selected for the2015 NHL All-Star Gameand earned theCalder Memorial Trophyas the league's best rookie in the2014–15.Ekblad won theStanley Cupwith the Panthers in2024.

Aaron Ekblad
Ekblad with theFlorida Panthersin 2023
Born (1996-02-07)February 7, 1996(age 28)
Windsor, Ontario,Canada
Height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight 220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Right
NHLteam Florida Panthers
National team Canada
NHL draft 1st overall,2014
Florida Panthers
Playing career 2014–present

Prior to joining the NHL, Ekblad playedmajor junior ice hockeyfor theBarrie Coltsof the OHL. He was grantedexceptional player statusunanimously byHockey Canada,which allowed him to play in major junior level a year early. Ekblad is the leader in games played and points scored by a defenceman in Florida Panthers franchise history.

Playing career

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Amateur

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In 2010–11, Ekblad competed for the Sun County Panthers minor midget AAA team inBelle River, Ontario.He had 34 points in 30 regular season games and added 21 points in 18 playoff games.[3]He captained the team and led them to an alliance championship.[4]

Ekblad's application to be the only player born in 1996 in theOntario Hockey League(OHL) draft was approved unanimously, after a six-week review byHockey Canada.With the approval, Ekblad became the first defenceman ever grantedexceptional player status.[5][6]The status allowed him to compete in the OHL a year earlier than his eligible age. The only other players to have been given such eligibility areJohn Tavaresin 2005,Connor McDavidin 2012,Sean Dayin 2013,Joe Velenoin 2015,Shane Wrightin 2019,Connor Bedardin 2020 andMichael Misain 2022.[7][8]

In the 2014 OHL Coaches Poll, he won top honours in four different categories in the Eastern Conference of the OHL, earning first-place finishes for best shot, hardest shot, best offensive defenceman, and best defensive defenceman. He was also voted second in the category of best penalty killer, behindOshawa GeneralsforwardScott Laughton.[9]

Professional

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Ekblad was selectedfirst overallin the2014 NHL entry draftby theFlorida Pantherson June 27, 2014.[2]He subsequently signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Panthers on September 3.[10]After making the Panthers' opening night roster out of training camp for the2014–15 season,Ekblad made his NHL debut on October 9, against theTampa Bay Lightning.In the game, he scored his first NHL point, an assist on aJonathan Huberdeaugoal, in Florida's eventual 3–2 loss in overtime.[11]Ekblad later scored his first NHL goal on November 1, againstSteve Masonof thePhiladelphia Flyersin a 2–1 win.[12]

On December 6, in a game against theBuffalo Sabres,Ekblad scored a career-high three points in a 3–2 Panthers victory, the first Panthers rookie to record a three-point game sinceDan Boyleduring the1998–99 season.[13]Ekblad was also named the game's first star for his performance.[13][14]On January 23, 2015, Ekblad was named as an injury replacement forColorado AvalanchedefencemanErik Johnsonat the2015 NHL All-Star Game.[15]In the game, Ekblad recorded four assists forTeam Toewsin their 17–12 victory overTeam Foligno.[16]

Ekblad finished his rookie season with 12 goals and 27 assists (39 points) in 81 games played for Florida. Following the conclusion of his rookie season, Ekblad led all rookie defencemen in goals, power play goals (6), power play points (13), shots (170) and fewest shot attempts against per 60 minutes (38.04). He also finished second in assists,plus-minus(+12), hits (109) and blocked shots (80), while also averaging 21:48 of ice time per game.[17]Ekblad also set a new franchise record for rookie defencemen in goals, assists, and points, surpassingEd Jovanovski.[18][19]On April 23, Ekblad was named one of three finalists for theCalder Memorial Trophy– awarded annually to the NHL's rookie of the year – along withMark Stoneof theOttawa SenatorsandJohnny Gaudreauof theCalgary Flames.[20]On June 24, Ekblad was announced as Calder Memorial Trophy's winner.[21]

Elkblad with the Florida Panthers in 2022.

During thefollowing season,Ekblad missed four games in January 2016 to recover from a concussion he had endured from a hit delivered byMatt Hendricksof theEdmonton Oilers.Hendricks was suspended three games for the hit.[22]

On July 2, 2016, Ekblad and the Panthers agreed to an eight-year, $60 million extension.[23]He was also named an alternate captain.[24]During the2016–17 season,Ekblad suffered another concussion during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and missed four games.[25]

On February 3, 2018, Ekblad became the 15th defenceman in NHL history to reach double-digits in goals in each of his first four seasons.[26][27]

On March 28, 2021, Ekblad was stretchered off the ice following a collision withDallas Stars' defencemanEsa Lindell.[28]He underwent surgery to repair a left leg fracture the following day and was ruled out for 12 weeks, effectively ending his season.[29]

On March 18, 2022, Ekblad recorded three assists in a 5–3 loss against theVegas Golden Knights,giving him 291 career points, the most by a defenceman in Panthers franchise history, surpassingRóbert Švehla.[30]On December 16, Ekblad played his 574th NHL game, a 4–2 loss to thePittsburgh Penguins,surpassing Švehla for most games played by a defenceman in Panthers' history.[31]

On June 24, 2024, Ekblad won theStanley Cupwhen the Panthers won the seventh game of the2024 Stanley Cup Finalsseries.[32][33]

International play

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Medal record
RepresentingCanada
Ice hockey
World Championships
2015 Czech Republic
Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
2013 Czech Republic

DuringCanada junior team's training camp in August 2014 in preparation for the upcoming2015 World Junior Championships,Ekblad suffered a concussion in an exhibition game against theCzech Republic junior team.[34]

Ekblad played forCanada senior teamat the2015 World Championship,where they won the gold medal for the first time since2007with a perfect 10–0 record.[35]

Ekblad was invited to the play forTeam North Americaat the2016 World Cup of Hockey.[36]Team North America was a newly-formed team that consisted of ice hockey players aged 23 or younger. He was later named an alternate captain along withSean Couturier.[37]During the tournament, he suffered an upper body injury and had to leave the team early.[38]

On April 12, 2018, Ekblad was named to Canada senior team to compete at the2018 World Championship.[39]

Personal life

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Ekblad's brother Darien, agoaltender,was drafted into the OHL by theLondon Knights.[40]Ekblad attendedInnisdale Secondary Schooland was an honour roll student in theSimcoe County District School Board.[41][42]Ekblad was born inWindsor,but grew up inBelle River,Ontario.His great-grandfather wasSwedish,hence the last name "Ekblad".[43]

During his rookie year, Ekblad lived with veteranWillie Mitchelland his family.[44]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2011–12 Barrie Colts OHL 63 10 19 29 34 13 2 3 5 8
2012–13 Barrie Colts OHL 54 7 27 34 64 22 7 10 17 28
2013–14 Barrie Colts OHL 58 23 30 53 91 9 2 4 6 14
2014–15 Florida Panthers NHL 81 12 27 39 32 — — — — —
2015–16 Florida Panthers NHL 78 15 21 36 41 6 0 1 1 0
2016–17 Florida Panthers NHL 68 10 11 21 58 — — — — —
2017–18 Florida Panthers NHL 82 16 22 38 71 — — — — —
2018–19 Florida Panthers NHL 82 13 24 37 47 — — — — —
2019–20 Florida Panthers NHL 67 5 36 41 26 4 0 0 0 2
2020–21 Florida Panthers NHL 35 11 11 22 33 — — — — —
2021–22 Florida Panthers NHL 61 15 42 57 26 10 1 4 5 11
2022–23 Florida Panthers NHL 71 14 24 38 68 20 2 6 8 20
2023–24 Florida Panthers NHL 51 4 14 18 50 24 1 5 6 16
NHL totals 676 115 232 347 452 64 4 16 20 49

International

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Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM
2012 Canada Ontario U17 5 1 2 3 4
2013 Canada Ontario U17 5 2 4 6 4
2013 Canada IH18 5 2 2 4 4
2014 Canada WJC 7 1 1 2 2
2015 Canada WC 10 4 3 7 6
2016 Team North America WCH 1 0 0 0 0
2018 Canada WC 10 1 5 6 6
Junior totals 22 6 9 15 14
Senior totals 20 5 8 13 12

Awards and honours

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Award Year Ref
OHL
Jack Ferguson Award 2011
Emms Family Award 2012
Max Kaminsky Trophy 2014
First All-Star Team 2014 [45]
NHL
NHL All-Star Game 2015,2016 [46]
Calder Memorial Trophy 2015
NHL All-Rookie Team 2015 [18]
Stanley Cupchampion 2024 [32]

References

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  1. ^"Colts Select Aaron Ekblad First Overall".OurSports Central. May 6, 2011.RetrievedJune 30,2014.
  2. ^ab"Ekblad 'overwhelmed' after going No. 1 in Draft".National Hockey League.June 28, 2014.RetrievedJune 30,2014.
  3. ^"Aaron Ekblad".Elite Prospects.RetrievedJune 30,2014.
  4. ^"Ekblad Receives Ferguson Award".Barrie Colts.June 12, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon July 14, 2014.RetrievedJune 30,2014.
  5. ^"Colts Announce Aaron Ekblad as First Overall Pick in 2011 OHL Priority Selection".chl.ca/ohl.May 6, 2011.RetrievedNovember 22,2024.
  6. ^"Aaron Ekblad first defenceman named 'exceptional player'".The Star.September 21, 2011.RetrievedJune 30,2014.
  7. ^"Exceptional Player Status for Sean Day".Ontario Hockey League.RetrievedJune 30,2014.
  8. ^"Shane Wright granted exceptional player status, eligible for OHL draft".Sportsnet. March 8, 2019.RetrievedApril 9,2019.
  9. ^Morreale, Mike G. (March 19, 2014)."Ekblad earns four top honors in OHL coaches poll".NHL.Archived fromthe originalon November 29, 2014.RetrievedNovember 22,2024.
  10. ^Florida Panthers Sign No. 1 Overall Draft Pick D Aaron Ekblad
  11. ^Associated Press (October 9, 2014)."Victor Hedman scores in OT to lift Lightning past Panthers in opener".FOX Sports.RetrievedMay 30,2015.
  12. ^Dadoun, Ryan (November 1, 2024)."Ekblad leads Panthers over Flyers with first NHL goal".NBC Sports.RetrievedNovember 22,2024.
  13. ^abFialkov, Harvey (December 8, 2014)."NHL names Panthers rookie Aaron Ekblad one of Three Stars of week".Sun-Sentinel.RetrievedMarch 13,2018.
  14. ^Olive, Jameson (May 16, 2015)."Panthers top pick Aaron Ekblad lived up to expectations".FOX Sports.RetrievedMay 30,2015.
  15. ^Gretz, Adam (January 23, 2015)."Aaron Ekblad added to All-Star Game; Johnny Gaudreau not added".CBS Sports.RetrievedMay 30,2015.
  16. ^Masisak, Corey (January 25, 2015)."Ekblad, Gaudreau, Forsberg make an impact at ASG".NHL.RetrievedMay 30,2015.
  17. ^Olive, Jameson (May 16, 2015)."Panthers top pick Aaron Ekblad lived up to expectations".FOX Sports.RetrievedMay 30,2015.
  18. ^ab"NHL announces 2014-15 All-Rookie Team".NHL.June 24, 2015.RetrievedMarch 13,2018.
  19. ^Battaglia, Chris (January 8, 2015)."Panthers' Ekblad in good company after breaking franchise record".thescore.RetrievedMarch 13,2018.
  20. ^"Calgary Flames' Johnny Gaudreau, Ottawa Senators' Mark Stone, Florida Panthers' Aaron Ekblad named NHL Calder finalists".National Post. April 23, 2015.RetrievedMay 30,2015.
  21. ^"Panthers rookie Ekblad wins Calder Trophy".NHL.June 24, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 11,2018.
  22. ^"Ekblad scores in return, Panthers rout 'Hawks".tsn.ca.January 22, 2016.RetrievedSeptember 17,2018.
  23. ^"Aaron Ekblad signs eight-year extension with Panthers".NHL.July 1, 2016.RetrievedFebruary 11,2018.
  24. ^Cotsonika, Nicholas J. (December 2, 2016)."Aaron Ekblad putting Panthers on his shoulders".NHL.RetrievedSeptember 17,2018.
  25. ^Cooper, Josh (March 21, 2017)."Aaron Ekblad to return from concussion for Panthers".sports.yahoo.RetrievedSeptember 17,2018.
  26. ^DeFranks, Matthew (February 4, 2018)."Panthers' Aaron Ekblad joins elite company with goal on Saturday night".Sun-Sentinel.RetrievedFebruary 11,2018.
  27. ^Poupart, Alain (February 4, 2018)."Huberdeau's late goal propels Panthers past Red Wings".NHL.RetrievedFebruary 11,2018.
  28. ^Richards, George (March 28, 2021)."Aaron Ekblad injured, carted off in Florida Panthers game in Dallas".Florida Hockey Now.RetrievedMarch 28,2021.
  29. ^"Defenseman Aaron Ekblad Undergoes Successful Surgery".Florida Panthers.RetrievedMarch 29,2021.
  30. ^Santos, Paul Delos (March 18, 2022)."Golden Knights recover against Panthers, end five-game losing streak".NHL.RetrievedDecember 16,2022.
  31. ^Crosby, Wes (December 15, 2022)."Letang has 2 points, Penguins hold off Panthers for 7th win in row".NHL.RetrievedDecember 16,2022.
  32. ^abSatriano, David (June 24, 2024)."How Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were built".NHL.RetrievedNovember 22,2024.
  33. ^"The Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have strong Windsor-Essex connections".CBC.ca.June 25, 2024.RetrievedNovember 22,2024.
  34. ^"Don cherry upset with Team Canada after Aaron Ekblad hit".CBC. August 9, 2014.RetrievedAugust 13,2014.
  35. ^"Canada's National Men's Team wins gold medal at 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship".Hockey Canada. May 17, 2015.RetrievedSeptember 10,2016.
  36. ^"WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY 2016 ROSTERS FINALIZED".nhlpa.May 27, 2016.RetrievedApril 23,2018.
  37. ^"Connor McDavid named captain of Team North America for World Cup".The Globe and Mail. September 8, 2016.RetrievedApril 23,2018.
  38. ^Benjamin, Amalie (September 20, 2016)."Aaron Ekblad leaves World Cup early".NHL.RetrievedSeptember 17,2018.
  39. ^"HOCKEY CANADA NAMES FIRST 18 PLAYERS TO 2018 IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER".hockeycanada.ca.April 12, 2018.RetrievedMay 3,2018.
  40. ^"DARIEN EKBLAD".eliteprospects.RetrievedMarch 22,2018.
  41. ^"Otters' Pelech named Top High School Student and Scholastic Player of Year".ontariohockeyleague.April 26, 2012.RetrievedMarch 22,2018.
  42. ^"OHL Academic Players of November".ottershockey.December 16, 2011.RetrievedMarch 22,2018.Ekblad, 15, a native of Belle River, Ontario, is currently attending Innisdale Secondary School
  43. ^"Team Canada has questions as final world junior cuts loom".cbc.ca.December 15, 2013.RetrievedFebruary 11,2018.The six-foot-four Ekblad will be going to his ancestral homeland. His great-grandfather was Swedish.
  44. ^Baker, Katie (March 25, 2015)."The Roomies".Grantland.RetrievedNovember 23,2017.
  45. ^"OHL Announces 2013-14 All-Star Teams".Ontario Hockey League.May 14, 2013.RetrievedJune 30,2014.
  46. ^"Ekblad, Gaudreau replace Crosby, Johnson in ASG".Sportsnet.ca.January 15, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 15,2015.
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Awards and achievements
Preceded by Winner of theEmms Family Award
2011–12 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner of theJack Ferguson Award
2011 		Succeeded by
Preceded by NHL first overall draft pick
2014 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Florida Panthers first round draft pick
2014 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner of theCalder Trophy
2015 		Succeeded by
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