Barrie Colt 2014 Draft Prospects: Aaron Ekblad

Right now the NHL has Aaron Ekblad projected to go 2nd overall in this years NHL draft that will be held on June 27–28 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The 2013-14 season proved to be Ekblads most impressive. Having started the season being named the Barrie Colts captain, he would lead the team to end the regular season in second place in the Central Division. Ekblad led all OHL defensmen this season with 23 goals and was fifth in total points (for defensmen) with 53 points.

The Colts were eliminated in the second round by the North Bay Battalion. Though they may have been eliminated earlier than many would have expected, it is not like Ekblad hasn't proven himself in the playoffs (He was also dealing with and missed time these playoffs with an injury).

In the 2012-13 playoffs, Ekblad helped lead the Colts to the finals where they would be eliminated by the London Knights. However, Ekblad did more than his part to get the team to the finals. Having finished that years playoffs with 7 goals, 17 points and was a +11 in 22 games.

Ekblad has all the tools to be a success and shoouldn't need anytime to be NHL ready. Though Ekblad himself has said that he needs to work on his skating, you could say that he is just being humble. After all, even the most skilled players in the world see flaws in their games, it is the best players that do everything they can to correct it. Having seen him play as much as I have on tv and in person I honestly dont think it will hold him back (Or that it really is a "weakness").

Now that we mentioned his "weakness", lets take a minute to mention some of his best abilities. His vision is unreal. He has a bomb of a shot from the blue line that is not only freakishly heavy but accuate. Ekblad also has an incredible ability to controll the puck in all zones and is a great passer. And dispite his "weakness", he is a very good skater for a 6'3, 213 lb kid.

Though the NHL has him projected as being the second pick, many believe that going first overall is not unrealistic. What it will come down to is a)who gets that pick and b)are they wanting a center with the overall skill of a Sam Bennett or a monster on their blueline like Aaron Ekblad.

Notes:

• In his rookie season with Barrie, he recorded 10 goals and 29 points in 63 games. He won the Rookie of the Year and was also named to the OHL All-Rookie Team.
• Ekblad was granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada to be eligible for the 2011 OHL Priority Selection as a 15-year-old. He was the first defensman in OHL history to be given exceptional player status and the second player to do so, following John Tavares in 2005.
• Ekblad played in a top 4 role in the 2014 World Junior Championship where he recorded 2 points in 7 games at the age of 17

Player Bio:

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Right 

Born: February 7, 1996 (Age 18)

Height: 6' 3"

Weight: 213

Born: Windsor, Ontario.
Twitter: @EK5Colts

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