Panthers sign top overall draft pick Aaron Ekblad

The Panthers signed the No. 1 overall draft pick Aaron Ekblad to a three-year entry-level contract.

The Florida Panthers have signed No. 1 overall draft pick Aaron Ekblad to a three-year entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday. 

Training camp for prospects begins next week.

A 6-foot-3 defenseman from Belle River, Ontario, Ekblad scored 23 goals and tallied 53 points in the Ontario Hockey League.

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“He is a talented, strong, smart and hardworking defenseman who is ready to take the next step in his professional career," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said.

Ekblad also captained Team Canada to the Under-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial gold medal last year.

- Scooby Axson