Aaron Ekblad facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aaron Ekblad
Ekblad with the Florida Panthers in 2023
Born	(1996-02-07) February 7, 1996 (age 29) Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Right
NHL team	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 player. He plays as a defenceman and is an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Aaron was chosen as the very first player in the 2011 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft. Later, the Florida Panthers picked him first overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft. He started playing in the NHL that same year. In his first NHL season (2014–15), Aaron was picked for the NHL All-Star Game. He also won the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is given to the league's best rookie player. Aaron helped the Panthers win the Stanley Cup championship two times in a row, in 2024 and 2025.

Before joining the NHL, Aaron played for the Barrie Colts in the OHL. He was given "exceptional player status" by Hockey Canada. This special permission allowed him to play in the major junior league a year earlier than most players. Aaron holds the record for the most games played and points scored by a defenceman in the Florida Panthers' history.

Playing Career

Early Hockey Days

In 2010–11, Aaron played for the Sun County Panthers, a minor midget AAA team in Belle River, Ontario. He was the captain of his team and helped them win a championship. He scored 34 points in 30 regular season games.

Exceptional Player Status

Aaron was the only player born in 1996 to be allowed into the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft early. This was after Hockey Canada reviewed his application for six weeks and approved it unanimously. This made Aaron the first defenceman ever to get "exceptional player status." This special status meant he could play in the OHL a year earlier than usual. Only a few other players have received this honor, like John Tavares and Connor McDavid.

In 2014, OHL coaches voted Aaron as the best in four different areas in the Eastern Conference. They said he had the best shot, hardest shot, was the best offensive defenceman, and the best defensive defenceman.

Starting in the NHL

The Florida Panthers chose Aaron as the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL entry draft on June 27, 2014. He then signed a three-year contract with the team. Aaron made his NHL debut on October 9, 2014, against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that game, he earned his first NHL point by assisting on a goal. He scored his first NHL goal on November 1, against the Philadelphia Flyers.

On December 6, Aaron had a great game against the Buffalo Sabres, scoring three points. He was the first Panthers rookie defenceman to do this since 1998–99. On January 23, 2015, Aaron was chosen to play in the 2015 National Hockey League All-Star Game as a replacement player. He recorded four assists in the game.

Rookie of the Year Award

Aaron finished his first NHL season with 12 goals and 27 assists, totaling 39 points, in 81 games. He led all rookie defencemen in goals and power play goals. He also set new team records for rookie defencemen in goals, assists, and points, passing Ed Jovanovski. On June 24, 2015, Aaron was announced as the winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the NHL's best rookie player.

Ekblad with the Florida Panthers in 2022.

During the 2015–16 season, Aaron missed a few games due to an injury he got from a hit by another player. On July 2, 2016, Aaron signed a long-term contract extension with the Panthers. He was also named an alternate captain for the team. He faced another injury during the 2016–17 season, missing more games.

By February 3, 2018, Aaron became one of only 15 defencemen in NHL history to score at least 10 goals in each of his first four seasons.

On March 28, 2021, Aaron had a serious leg injury during a game and needed surgery. This injury ended his season early.

Breaking Team Records

On March 18, 2022, Aaron recorded three assists in a game, which gave him 291 career points. This made him the defenceman with the most points in Florida Panthers history, passing Róbert Švehla. On December 16, he played his 574th NHL game, also passing Švehla for the most games played by a defenceman for the Panthers.

On June 24, 2024, Aaron won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers when they won the final game of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. He helped the Panthers win the Stanley Cup for the second time in a row in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.

On June 30, 2025, Aaron and the Panthers agreed to another eight-year contract extension. This deal was seen as a big commitment from Aaron to stay with the Panthers and try to win more championships.

International Play

Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing  Canada
World Championships
Gold	2015 Czech Republic
Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
Gold	2013 Czech Republic

Aaron has played for Team Canada in several international tournaments. In August 2014, he got an injury during a training camp for the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

He played for the senior Canadian team at the 2015 IIHF World Championship. They won the gold medal, going undefeated with a perfect 10–0 record.

Aaron was also invited to play for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. This team was made up of young players aged 23 or younger. He was named an alternate captain for this team. He had to leave the tournament early due to an injury.

In 2018, Aaron was again named to the senior Canadian team to play at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.

Personal Life

Aaron's brother, Darien, is a goaltender who was drafted into the OHL by the London Knights. Aaron went to Innisdale Secondary School and was a good student. He was born in Windsor, Ontario, but grew up in Lakeshore, Ontario. His last name, "Ekblad," comes from his great-grandfather, who was Swedish.

During his first year in the NHL, Aaron lived with veteran player Willie Mitchell and his family.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play Statistics

Awards and Honours