PHILADELPHIA – The 2014 NHL Entry Draft featured the next wave of hockey talent stepping into the spotlight. Experts Frank Provenzano and Corey Pronman offered detailed analysis for each first-round selection, assessing the prospects` skills and how they might fit into their respective team`s future plans.
Pick 1: Aaron Ekblad
Team: Florida Panthers
TEAM: Barrie (OHL)
HT: 6-foot-3
WT: 213 lbs
POS: D
Prospect Analysis (Corey Pronman)
Ekblad is a formidable presence on defense, playing with tenacity and offering elite defensive capabilities. He excels beyond just physical play and winning battles; he`s a strong skater with powerful strides and excellent mobility. His offensive game has significantly improved, showcasing above-average puck handling and strong vision. He can contribute creatively from the point, join the rush, or control the blue line with a powerful shot.
Team-Fit Analysis (Frank Provenzano)
Ekblad provides the Panthers with a potential cornerstone defenseman capable of handling significant minutes in key situations. He complements a promising group of young forwards like Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov, and the return of Roberto Luongo, helping to bolster a defense that struggled significantly last season (ranking 29th in the NHL). For Florida to become a consistent playoff contender, developing a clear hockey identity alongside this young core is essential, and Ekblad is a crucial part of that effort.
Gareth Tenby