Philadelphia, PA – The future stars of the NHL gathered at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. This analysis delves into each first-round selection, evaluating the prospects` abilities and their potential integration into their respective teams.
Pick 1: Aaron Ekblad – Florida Panthers
Source Team: Barrie (OHL)
- Height:
- 6-foot-3
- Weight:
- 213 lbs
- Position:
- D
Prospect Analysis
Aaron Ekblad is a formidable presence on defense, known for his physicality and exceptional defensive capabilities. Beyond simply winning battles, he possesses strong skating with powerful strides and sharp pivots. His offensive game has significantly improved, showcasing above-average puck handling and excellent vision. He demonstrates creativity from the point, effectively joining the rush or directing play with a powerful shot from long range.
Team Fit Analysis
Ekblad is expected to become a foundational defenseman for the Panthers, capable of playing significant minutes in crucial situations. He complements a promising core of young forwards, including Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov, and the experienced goaltender Roberto Luongo. His addition aims to strengthen a Panthers defense that struggled significantly, ranking 29th the previous season. For Florida to consistently compete for the playoffs, they need to establish a strong team identity built around this young talent.
