Bobby Orr. Denis Potvin. Those are the gold standard names of modern defensemen in the NHL. Now, it looks like the next big name has emerged in Sunrise, Fla. in the shape of 19-year-old rookie Aaron Ekblad.
The first overall pick of last summer’s NHL Draft, Ekblad has wowed the league with his play and ability. The Florida Panthers are getting even more than they hoped for out of their Calder Trophy (for Rookie of the Year) candidate. In fact, the Panthers may have just found the savior of their franchise and a cornerstone to build with over the next decade.
Mastering the NHL’s Toughest Job
Defenseman is far and away the toughest position for a NHL rookie to master and yet Ekblad has been thriving in his rookie season. Ekblad was second on the team for scoring with seven goals and 21 assists and was a plus-4. The rookie had a 22:04 average time on ice to rank second on the team behind fellow defenseman Brian Campbell. On a Florida team that is improving but still lacking quality depth, it is a remarkable rookie performance.
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Lunch with a Legend
As an emerging teenage prospect, Ekblad had lunch with Orr, arguably the greatest player of all time and his future agent. Ekblad had actually already decided on Orr to be his agent before the meal and it has proven to be an outstanding decision. Orr and Ekblad chat frequently with the Hall of Famer passing on tips to the young prodigy.
“He’s always a there, always a friend,” said Ekblad of Orr. “Someone you can lean on, and someone you can talk to about the game, or about life in general.”
The Face of the Franchise
The articulate Ekblad is the perfect package for a Panthers franchise that is still struggling at the gate and in need of an identity. He has movie star looks and can already quarterback a NHL power play with effectiveness. With success and proper marketing, Ekblad has the potential to become the face of Miami sports for a generation as he lifts this down trodden franchise out of its perpetual anonymity.
Bunking with a Champion
One of the great traditions of hockey and what separates it from other sports is the ritual of superstars taking in rookies into their homes to live. Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby lived at Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux’s house when he began his career, and now Ekblad is following suit. Florida captain and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Willie Mitchell has taken Ekblad into his home for the season. The pair drive to the rink each day and discuss tips and exchange ideas.
Another Hall of Fame Friend
Potvin had a Hall of Fame career as a defenseman for the New York Islanders where he won four Stanley Cups. He is now the color commentator on Panthers telecasts. Potvin will frequently visit the Panthers and Ekblad after practices and games and has forged a good relationship with the rookie. Incredibly enough, Ekblad has inherited the riches of two of the greatest defensemen in NHL history along with a proven champion and respected veteran leader as his mentors.
“I have a great support system, that has made kit a little bit easier for me to step in, just play, and enjoy it,” said Ekblad. “Three different generations you could say. They are all friends of mine, and all have different advice, day in and day out. I see Bobby quite a bit, ‘cause he lives in Florida. Every day, me and Willie break everything down, when it comes to the games and practices.”
Out of the Ashes
The BB&T Center is often embarrassing to look at with its empty seats. The Panthers have been among the most inept franchises in all of sports which was made hockey a tough sell in South Florida.
With Ekblad, that looks like it will all change sooner, rather than later.
