Aaron Ekblad entered the NHL Scouting Combine as the No. 2-ranked North American skater, according to Central Scouting, and believes he can make the big league next season.
The 18-year-old Ekblad, named the Ontario Hockey League’s Most Outstanding Defenseman this past season, certainly has the quality of size scouts are looking for. He stands 6'3" and weighs in at 213 pounds. He was also a member of Canada’s team at the 2014 World Junior Championship.
His potential employment in the NHL next season would likely make him unavailable to play for Canada in 2015. But that’s a long ways off. Plenty still needs to happen before such a decision is made. The first round of the draft is June 27.
“That’s the way I believe in myself,” Ekblad told NHL.com. “I wouldn’t say I’m cocky but I’m confident and I believe that if I work hard and do all the little things, pay attention to details, I can be in that League next year.
Ekblad explains why he thinks the Panthers are the best fit for him