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There aren't many people in the Florida Panthers organization who have stuck with the team as long as defenseman Aaron Ekblad.
Ekblad was selected first overall in the 2014 NHL Draft and has spent his entire career with the Florida Panthers. Only Panthers captain Sasha Barkov has spent more time with the team.
Currently, Ekblad has seen some highs and lows during his time in South Florida, but his steady and consistent play on the back line has played a huge role in turning the franchise around.
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Having a reliable defenseman with top-level offensive skills is no easy feat at the highest level, and Ekblad has been all that and more during his decade in the NHL.
Given his experience and time with the Panthers, Ekblad appreciates what the team accomplished last season…
On Saturday, Ekblad took his 24-hour turn with the Stanley Cup.
Like many of his teammates before him, Ekblad spent a large part of his day sharing the trophy with his hometown community.
The fun started early Saturday morning, with fans lining up as early as 6:45 a.m. for an event at the Atlas Tube Recreation Center in Belle River that began hours later, According to NHL.com.
“surprising,” Ekblad told NHL.com:“I think a lot of them realize the importance of having someone in town competing and being there and probably sitting in front of their TVs cheering me on at one point or another. To be able to give it back to them and that feeling of having it carried through the crowd was a great experience.”
The 28-year-old ended his day with the trophy surrounded by close friends and family, sitting by the fire.
Teammate Sam Bennett was among those who enjoyed a good time with Ekblad and the trophy, According to George Richards of Florida Hockey Now on X,.
You can watch FHN's video of Ekblad from Saturday's cup celebrations below:
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