NHL Draft 2014: Aaron Ekblad selected No 1 pick by Florida Panthers
Aaron Ekblad from the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts was taken with the number one pick of the 2014 NHL Draft by the Florida Panthers at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The 18-year-old Canadian, who is 6-foot-4 (1.93m), ended his third season in the Ontario Hockey League with career-highs in goals (23) and assists (30) and is considered a solid player with on-ice maturity who can log big minutes.
The Buffalo Sabres selected Vancouver-born centre Sam Reinhart with the second pick, and German Leon Draisaitl was taken number three by the Edmonton Oilers.
First choice: Aaron Ekblad pulls on a Florida Panthers sweater after being chosen No 1 pick in the NHL draft
Draisaitl is the highest German player ever selected in the NHL Draft.
The 18-year-old centre from Cologne has been playing for the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League.
Most watched Sport videos
- Stirring moment fans chant U-S-A at Sugar Bowl after NOLA terror attack
- Angel Reese flaunts her New Year's Eve gown in playful video
- John Daly hits golf ball across street and over building for 2025
- Caitlin Clark leaves Travis Kelce beaming with review of Eras Tour
- Saints coach Darren Rizzi responds to the New Orleans attack
- Hit in Texas-Arizona football game fails to be labelled as targeting
- NFL fashion designer Kristin Juszczyk announces MAJOR career move
- Dyche responds to Maupay taking shots at Everton on social media
- Louisiana official says ATF team is ready for Sugar Bowl
- Arteta says Arsenal in 'good mood' following win against Brentford
- ESPN cameras catch Jake Bates doing 'freaky' act on national TV
- James Brayshaw opens up about his divorce in on-air outburst