Aaron Ekblad
First overall pick, Calder Trophy winner, and back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers.
via Wikipedia: Aaron Ekblad · see source
Aaron Ekblad (born February 7, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and alternate captain for the Florida Panthers. Selected first overall by the Panthers in the 2014 NHL entry draft, Ekblad made his NHL debut that same year. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's best rookie in 2014–15 and was selected for the 2015 NHL All-Star Game. Ekblad won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Panthers in 2024 and 2025. He holds franchise records for most games played and points scored by a defenceman in Florida Panthers history.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 7 February 1996
- Birthplace
- Windsor, Ontario, Canada
- Position
- Defence
- Shoots
- Right
- League
- NHL
- Team
- Florida Panthers
- Draft
- 1st overall
Lore & Background
Ekblad was granted exceptional player status unanimously by Hockey Canada, allowing him to play major junior hockey a year early—the first defenceman ever to receive that designation. In the OHL, he played for the Barrie Colts and won top honours in the 2014 OHL Coaches Poll for best shot, hardest shot, best offensive defenceman, and best defensive defenceman in the Eastern Conference. After being drafted first overall in 2014, Ekblad signed a three-year entry-level deal and made the Panthers' opening night roster. He scored his first NHL point—an assist on a Jonathan Huberdeau goal—in a 3–2 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 9, 2014, and his first NHL goal on November 1 against Steve Mason of the Philadelphia Flyers. Ekblad finished his rookie season with 12 goals and 27 assists (39 points) in 81 games, setting franchise records for rookie defencemen in goals, assists, and points. He was named a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist alongside Mark Stone and Johnny Gaudreau, and won the award on June 24, 2015.
Reader's Guide
Ekblad's career with the Panthers began immediately after being selected first overall in 2014. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 2014, and scored his first goal on November 1. In his rookie season, he led all rookie defencemen in goals (12), power play goals (6), power play points (13), shots (170), and fewest shot attempts against per 60 minutes (38.04). He finished second among rookie defencemen in assists, plus-minus (+12), hits (109), and blocked shots (80), averaging 21:48 of ice time per game. He set franchise records for rookie defencemen in goals, assists, and points, surpassing Ed Jovanovski. On July 2, 2016, Ekblad signed an eight-year, $60 million extension and was named alternate captain. He suffered concussions in January 2016 (missing four games after a hit by Matt Hendricks) and during the 2016–17 season (missing four games after a hit against Tampa Bay). On February 3, 2018, he became the 15th defenceman in NHL history to reach double-digit goals in each of his first four seasons. On March 28, 2021, he suffered a left leg fracture after a collision with Esa Lindell and underwent surgery, ending his season. On March 18, 2022, he recorded three assists to become the Panthers' all-time leader in points by a defenceman (291), surpassing Róbert Švehla. Ekblad won the Stanley Cup in 2024 and 2025. On March 10, 2025, he was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug policy. On June 30, 2025, he signed an eight-year, $48.8 million extension.
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