Is It Time for the Panthers to Move On From Aaron Ekblad?
From his injury history to his inconsistent play, it may be time for the Cats to move on from their 1st overall pick in 2014.
The Florida Panthers have clinched a division title for the fourth time in franchise history with 110 points and a record of 52-24-6. They will face their in-state rival in the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday for Game 1 of Round 1.
The team is currently facing injuries that have kept most players out until the last week of the season. One that is noteworthy is defenseman Aaron Ekblad. He is expected to return for Game 1 of the first round, but regardless of how the season ends, it may be time to move on from the first-overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Ekblad’s Injury History Makes Him a Shell of Who He Once Was.
Aaron Ekblad won the Calder trophy as the league’s best rookie in 2015 and had a spectacular sophomore season with 75 points (27 goals, 48 assists). However, the summer before his third season, he took a whiplash injury during the World Cup of Hockey. Unfortunately, he fell off hard once he recovered. He had a minus-23 rating and only 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) through 68 games.
Ever since then, it seems like he can’t play a full season. Throughout his entire NHL career, he has only played a full regular season twice. The injuries keep piling up for the defenseman, and the next one could be career-threatening. This includes the injury that is keeping him out until Game 1 of the playoffs.
His Contract Will Expire Soon.
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