The 2014 No. 1 draft pick still speaks with the projected 2015 No. 1 draft pick occasionally, even though both players are busy trying to win trophies and secure playoff positions.
Despite facing off against each other since peewee, Aaron Ekblad describes Connor McDavid as a “good friend,” a friend to whom he will doubtlessly be sending a congratulatory text on June 26 when McDavid gets his named called at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida — Ekblad’s home rink.
The last time McDavid followed in Ekblad’s footsteps at a draft, he was being granted exceptional-player status in the Ontario Hockey League. The two phenoms exchanged a lot of texts around the time and have stayed in touch since.
“He’s obviously got a lot going on, a lot on his plate, being dissected,” Ekblad said Tuesday in Toronto, where the rookie’s Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs. “He’s going to be fine. And he’s strong mentally. I think that’s part of what makes him such a good good person and a good player.”
Not only has Ekblad made the rare leap to NHL regular at age 18, but he’s one of just four Panthers to skate in all 56 games this season. The former Barrie Colt ranks second on his team in ice time (22:16) and points (32) and all but guaranteed a Calder Trophy nomination.
So what piece of advice would he give to McDavid, destined to begin his NHL career as an 18-year-old?
“Just keep it simple to start. As things go, you’ll get more comfortable and less nervous,” Ekblad said.
“With the confidence he has in himself, I’m sure that’s not a problem. I don’t really think he needs that much advice. He has everything under control.”
