Aaron Ekblad

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

On June 27, 2014, the Florida Panthers selected Aaron Ekblad first overall in the NHL entry draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract on September 3 and made his NHL debut on October 9 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, recording an assist. On November 1, he scored his first NHL goal in a 2–1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. On December 6, Ekblad recorded a career-high three points in a 3–2 win against the Buffalo Sabres, becoming the first Panthers rookie to do so since Dan Boyle in 1998–99. He was named an injury replacement for the 2015 NHL All-Star Game and recorded four assists for Team Toews. On June 24, 2015, Ekblad won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year. On July 2, 2016, he signed an eight-year, $60 million extension and was named an alternate captain. On March 28, 2021, Ekblad was stretchered off after a collision with Esa Lindell and underwent surgery for a left leg fracture, ending his season. On March 18, 2022, he recorded three assists to reach 291 career points, the most by a defenceman in Panthers history, surpassing Róbert Švehla. On December 16, 2022, he played his 574th NHL game, surpassing Švehla for most games played by a defenceman in franchise history. On June 24, 2024, Ekblad won the Stanley Cup when the Panthers won Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. On March 10, 2025, he was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug policy after failing a random drug test—the first NHL player suspended for PED use since Nate Schmidt in 2018. Ekblad claimed he took something to help recover from an injury without checking with team personnel and did not appeal. He helped the Panthers win the Stanley Cup again in 2025. On June 30, 2025, he signed an eight-year, $48.8 million extension, a significant discount from his previous deal.

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. On December 16, 2022, he played his 574th NHL game, surpassing Švehla for most games played by a defenceman in franchise history. 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.

Did You Know?

• Ekblad was the first defenceman ever granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada, allowing him to play in the OHL a year early.
• He won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2015 as the NHL's best rookie, beating out Mark Stone and Johnny Gaudreau.
• Ekblad holds Panthers franchise records for most games played and most points scored by a defenceman.
• He was suspended 20 games in March 2025 for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug policy, the first such suspension since Nate Schmidt in 2018.
• Ekblad won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Panthers in 2024 and 2025.