Aaron Ekblad
Ht/Wt: 6′ 3″/216 lbs
Position: D
Team: Barrie (OHL)
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
@IssHockey – “Everything on blueline; commands PP point to shutting down top offensive threats. NHL ready.” – Dec. 18th, 2013
@IssHockey – “Can’t deny his character and born-leader qualities…the backbone of the Colts.” – Nov. 17th, 2013
“Aaron is the proverbial ‘workhorse’ defenceman. Capable of playing significant minutes, he has a seemingly ability to get better the more he plays and he seems to thrive on these types of demands. Smart and capable of playing in all situations, he is also capable of dominating opponents. Defensively, offensively, skill game or physical game, Aaron can excel in all types of games. Top 2 type defenceman.”
Profile from: TSNs Director of Scouting Craig Button – Sept. 18th