THN Archive: Ek-citement in Florida
There was plenty of enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding the Panthers selection of Aaron Ekblad at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft
It’s hard to believe that next summer’s NHL Draft will mark ten years since the Florida Panthers selected Aaron Ekblad first overall in 2014.
“He’s 18 going on 30,” then-Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon said after taking the teenage defensive phenom.
Coming out of junior hockey, Ekblad was viewed as a consensus No. 1 pick.
He became only the fourth player ever to be selected first overall in both the OHL and NHL drafts, joining Eric Lindross, Steven Stamkos and John Tavares.
The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell penned an extensive story on Florida’s drafting of Ekblad in the August 14, 2014 magazine, Volume 68, Issue 03.
In the story, we hear from Ekblad’s family, members of the Panthers organization and others who were part of the young prospect’s life.
That includes Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk, who coached Ekblad when he was with the OHL’s Barrie Colts.
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