Ht/Wt: 6' 3"/216 lbs
Position: D
Team: Barrie (OHL)

Aaron Ekblad's Player Profile

Aaron Ekblad is good…like DAMN good. He’s one of only four players in the history of junior hockey to be granted exceptional status. The consensus best defenseman in the draft, Ekblad has all the tools to be a future top pairing defenseman in the NHL. He has the imposing physical frame, the poise a defenseman needs to move the puck up ice, and his vision and positioning are second to none.

Ekblad’s game is a perfect balance of offensive instinct and defensive awareness. Rarely will you find him out of position and is one of the toughest opponents to beat along the boards or in the front of the crease. His skill with the puck is complimented with his ruggedness all over the ice. Almost a point-per-game player this season from the backend, Ekblad has improved by leaps and bounds every OHL season for the past three years. Aaron Ekblad shouldn’t have an issue translating his game to the NHL whatsoever.
Profile from: Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers - updated May 16th

I have Aaron number one because I believe he will have the biggest positive impact on a team of any player in this draft. I love how he obliterates forwards at the blue-line on a pinch; I love how he finds the lane for his hard, heavy shot just when the team needs it the most; I love how he is the player counted on in the big moments and the hard situations. They don’t call him an ogre for nothing; he can show you a real mean streak. He reminds me of a young Shea Weber.
Profile from: Eldon MacDonald and Chris Ralph of The Hockey Writers - updated Feb. 27th

"His reach can be very disruptive for enemy forwards. Playing a simple game on pairing with Derrick Pouliot, who has good rushing ability and scored a cracking goal. Made great clearing pass under pressure from two forecheckers; lots of poise. Amazing he’s the youngest defenseman on the team. Plays for Barrie in the OHL."
Profile from: Ryan Kennedy of THN - WJC recap on Jan. 2nd



Would you like to write a player profile for any prospect that may be entering the 2014 NHL Draft? Email profiles of any player (even players not on our list) to our Webmaster. Credit will be given to the author of the profile.

Aaron Ekblad Videos

NHL Draft 2014: Aaron Ekblad


Colts Confidential with Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad 2012-13

Aaron Ekblad Slapshot Goal vs Ottawa (12/8/13)

Aaron Ekblad Highlights


Click here to return