Flashback 2014 NHL Draft : Aaron Ekblad

Ekblad’s journey in hockey began at a young age. At the age of 15, he was granted “exceptional status” by Hockey Canada, which allowed him to enter the OHL a year earlier than usual. He the second player to be granted exceptional status in the OHL.

In the 2011 OHL Priority Selection, the Barrie Colts selected Ekblad with the first overall pick. This marked the beginning of his junior hockey career, and he wasted no time making an impact. In his rookie season with the Colts, Ekblad showcased his skills and maturity beyond his years. He finished the season with 10 goals and 19 assists.

As Ekblad continued to develop his game, his contributions to the Colts became increasingly evident. He demonstrated his versatility as a defenseman, excelling in both offensive and defensive situations.

In the 2013-2014 season, Ekblad’s talents reached new heights. He captained the Colts and recorded an impressive 23 goals and 30 assists in just 58 games.

Ekblad’s success in junior hockey obviously drew attention from NHL scouts, and he was widely regarded as the top prospect for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. As anticipated, he was selected first overall by the Florida Panthers.

Upon entering the NHL, Ekblad seamlessly transitioned to the professional level. In his rookie season with the Panthers, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his strong defensive skills and offensive contributions. He finished his rookie campaign with an impressive 39 points, earning him the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.

HockeyProspect.com Ranking – 3rd overall

Photo: OHL Images

HP’s Melissa Perri spoke to Aaron back in November of 2011 about the jump from Bantam AAA into the OHL and got his thoughts on his season so far.

2014 NHL Draft Results