Aaron Ekblad facts for kids

Aaron Ekblad
Ekblad during the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game on January 15, 2014
Born	February 7, 1996 (1996-02-07) Windsor, ON, CAN
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight	216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Right
Played for	Florida Panthers
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	1st overall, 2014 Florida Panthers
Playing career	2014–present

Aaron Ekblad (born February 7, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He currently plays for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

He has also played for the Team Canada junior team. He won a gold medal with them during the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He suffered a concussion in an exhibition game against the Czech Republic in December 2014.

Career

Before playing in the NHL, Ekblad played 3 seasons with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was drafted with the 1st overall pick by the Florida Panthers in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

On September 3, the Panthers signed Ekblad to a three-year, entry-level contract. Ekblad made the Panthers' opening night roster for the 2014–15 season. He made his NHL debut on October 9 in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. During the game, Ekblad scored his first career NHL point, an assist on a Jonathan Huberdeau goal in a 3–2 overtime loss. On November 1, he scored his first NHL goal against Steve Mason of the Philadelphia Flyers in a 2–1 Panthers win.

On December 6, Ekblad scored a career-high three points in a 3–2 win against the Buffalo Sabres. He was given the first star of the game. On January 23, 2015, he was chosen to play in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game to replace an injured Erik Johnson.

On June 24, 2015, Ekblad was announced as the Calder Memorial Trophy winner.