History of Aaron Ekblad in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 10, 2025

Aaron Ekblad is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and alternate captain for the Florida Panthers of the NHL. Drafted first overall in both the OHL (2011) and NHL (2014) drafts, he debuted in the NHL in 2014. Ekblad's rookie season saw him selected for the 2015 NHL All-Star Game and win the Calder Memorial Trophy. He won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2024.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 7, 1996: Aaron Ekblad's Birth

On February 7, 1996, Aaron Ekblad was born. He is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman.

1996: Year of Birth

Aaron Ekblad was born in 1996.

1998: Dan Boyle's Rookie Performance

In 1998 Dan Boyle recorded a three point game as a rookie.

2005: John Tavares Exceptional Player Status

In 2005, John Tavares was granted exceptional player status in the OHL.

2007: Canada's Previous Gold Medal

In 2007, Canada previously won a gold medal.

2010: Played for Sun County Panthers

In 2010, Aaron Ekblad played for the Sun County Panthers minor midget AAA team, recording 34 points in 30 regular season games and 21 points in 18 playoff games. He captained the team and led them to an alliance championship.

2011: Selected in the OHL Draft

In 2011, Aaron Ekblad was selected first overall in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft.

2012: Connor McDavid Exceptional Player Status

In 2012, Connor McDavid was granted exceptional player status in the OHL.

2013: Sean Day Exceptional Player Status

In 2013, Sean Day was granted exceptional player status in the OHL.

June 27, 2014: Drafted by the Florida Panthers

On June 27, 2014, Aaron Ekblad was selected first overall in the NHL entry draft by the Florida Panthers.

August 2014: Concussion at Training Camp

In August 2014, during Canada junior team's training camp, Aaron Ekblad suffered a concussion in an exhibition game against the Czech Republic junior team.

2014: OHL Coaches Poll Honors

In 2014, Aaron Ekblad earned first-place finishes in four categories (best shot, hardest shot, best offensive defenceman, and best defensive defenceman) in the Eastern Conference of the OHL Coaches Poll and was voted second in the category of best penalty killer.

2014: NHL Entry Draft and Debut

In 2014, Aaron Ekblad was selected first overall by the Florida Panthers in the NHL entry draft and made his NHL debut that year.

January 23, 2015: Named to NHL All-Star Game

On January 23, 2015, Aaron Ekblad was named as an injury replacement for the Colorado Avalanche defenceman Erik Johnson at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game. Ekblad recorded four assists for Team Toews in their 17–12 victory over Team Foligno.

2015: World Championship Gold Medal

In 2015, Aaron Ekblad played for Canada senior team at the World Championship, where they won the gold medal with a perfect 10–0 record.

2015: World Junior Championships Preparation

In 2015, Aaron Ekblad prepared for the World Junior Championships.

2015: NHL All-Star and Calder Trophy

In 2015, Aaron Ekblad was selected for the NHL All-Star Game and earned the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's best rookie in the 2014–15 season.

2015: Joe Veleno Exceptional Player Status

In 2015, Joe Veleno was granted exceptional player status in the OHL.

January 2016: Concussion Injury

In January 2016, Aaron Ekblad missed four games to recover from a concussion sustained from a hit by Matt Hendricks of the Edmonton Oilers. Hendricks was suspended three games for the hit.

July 2, 2016: Contract Extension and Alternate Captain

On July 2, 2016, Aaron Ekblad and the Panthers agreed to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension, and he was named an alternate captain.

2016: World Cup of Hockey

In 2016, Aaron Ekblad was invited to play for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey. He was named an alternate captain. He suffered an upper body injury and had to leave the team early.

February 3, 2018: Double-Digit Goals Milestone

On February 3, 2018, Aaron Ekblad became the 15th defenceman in NHL history to reach double-digits in goals in each of his first four seasons.

April 12, 2018: Named to Canada Senior Team

On April 12, 2018, Aaron Ekblad was named to the Canada senior team to compete at the 2018 World Championship.

2018: Nate Schmidt's suspension

In 2018, Nate Schmidt was suspended for the use of performance enhancing drugs.

2019: Shane Wright Exceptional Player Status

In 2019, Shane Wright was granted exceptional player status in the OHL.

2020: Connor Bedard Exceptional Player Status

In 2020, Connor Bedard was granted exceptional player status in the OHL.

March 28, 2021: Leg Fracture Injury

On March 28, 2021, Aaron Ekblad was stretchered off the ice following a collision, and he underwent surgery to repair a left leg fracture the following day and was ruled out for 12 weeks, ending his season.

March 18, 2022: Panthers Franchise Points Record

On March 18, 2022, Aaron Ekblad recorded three assists in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights, giving him 291 career points, the most by a defenceman in Panthers franchise history, surpassing Róbert Švehla.

2022: Michael Misa Exceptional Player Status

In 2022, Michael Misa was granted exceptional player status in the OHL.

June 24, 2024: Stanley Cup Win

On June 24, 2024, Aaron Ekblad won the Stanley Cup when the Panthers won the seventh game of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals series.

2024: Stanley Cup Win

In 2024, Ekblad won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers.

March 10, 2025: Suspension for Drug Use

On March 10, 2025, Aaron Ekblad was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug use policy after failing a random drug test. He claimed he took something to help recover from an injury without consulting team personnel.