Aaron Ekblad’s third season in the NHL (2016-17) was just rough all across the board. Between the injuries, woeful defensive play, and state that the Panthers were in, nothing was bouncing right for the then 21-year-old defenseman. Fast forward a season later, and all of that suddenly changed.
2017-18 offered something new for Aaron Ekblad: new coach, new defensive system, and a chance to finally lead the Cats. With the reigns officially handed over to the ‘young core,’ Ekblad was no longer that rookie looking up to veterans for advice.
Despite his youthful age, he was now expected to be the guy who others would turn to in times of need (both on and off the ice).