NHL: The 30 best draft picks in NHL history (Updated 2023)

17. Best NHL draft picks in history: Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

When you’re drafted first overall in an NHL Draft, expectations are undoubtedly high to be a game-changing player. The Florida Panthers selected defenseman Aaron Ekblad with the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft and he’s still getting the job done to this very day.

In his rookie season, Ekblad was so good he earned the Calder Memorial Trophy for being the most proficient rookie in the entire NHL. That was a great rookie year for Ekblad as he set many franchise records for his positional group when it came to points.

That’s pretty much what he’s known for as a high-octane defenseman that within a blink of an eye, can make a big play out of nowhere to get some points on the board. Ever since his fantastic rookie season, Ekblad has been named alternative captain and signed a huge long-term contract to keep him on the Panthers until 2024.

It’s great to see Ekblad’s rich history and the trajectory he’s on as he continues to make a name for himself. Hopefully, things work out from here on out as the Panthers continue doing their best to finally win a championship for the first time in their history.