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Florida Panthers: Top Candidates for the 2019 All-Star Game

By Cal Friedman

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 28: {L-R} Atlantic Division All-Stars teammates Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jack Eichel #15 of the Buffalo Sabres, and Aleksander Barkov #16 of the Florida Panthers celebrate after a goal in the second half during the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game between the Atlantic Division and the Metropolitan Divison at Amalie Arena on January 28, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 28: {L-R} Atlantic Division All-Stars teammates Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jack Eichel #15 of the Buffalo Sabres, and Aleksander Barkov #16 of the Florida Panthers celebrate after a goal in the second half during the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game between the Atlantic Division and the Metropolitan Divison at Amalie Arena on January 28, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Player #5: Aaron Ekblad, Defenseman

NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 30: Aaron Ekblad #5 of the Florida Panthers looks on in the AMP Energy NHL Hardest Shot during the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Skill Competition at Bridgestone Arena on January 30, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 30: Aaron Ekblad #5 of the Florida Panthers looks on in the AMP Energy NHL Hardest Shot during the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Skill Competition at Bridgestone Arena on January 30, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Panthers’ defense may not be the best in the division, but the top pair is definitely capable of producing an all-star. As he continues to grow with experience, this is a big year for Aaron Ekblad which could turn out to be a critical stepping stone in his career.

The Canadian defenseman needed a good bounce-back from 2016-17, which he put up career lows in goals, points, and +/-, all the way down to -23.

Ekblad put up 38 points the following season (2017-18), just one shy of tying his career high of 39. His +9 rating was ranked his third best +/- out of his four seasons as a Panther. While these numbers are solid, these aren’t the kind of numbers expected from a former first overall pick, 22 or not.

Aaron finished behind defensemen like Ivan Provorov of the Philadelphia Flyers and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets in offensive production.

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Ekblad’s time with Keith Yandle as his defensive partner is concerning for his career numbers, showing obvious drop-offs from when Ekblad was playing with Brian Campbell and Willie Mitchell.

It’s not entirely Ekblad’s fault, as Yandle grew a lot in offensive influence behind Bob Boughner. The former New York Ranger outscored Ekblad’s point tally last season, and while Ekblad’s defensive responsibilities are growing, it may be best to split the two up this season.

Ekblad’s numbers in 2016 were below his numbers from this past season, however thanks to the Panthers surprising the world of hockey, Aaron was given the credit of the team’s strong defensive presence.

This isn’t taking anything away from Ekblad’s offensive ability, as being able to put up just under 40 points in three out of his for four seasons for the Panthers is still pretty good.

Next. Aleksander Barkov the Darkhorse for Hart. dark

The question marks of a first overall pick not living up to his potential yet will cloud over his head, but if he picks up off the doubters and records career highs in points and goals, no doubt Aaron Ekblad will make the long flight to San Jose.  

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