The accolades just keep coming for Florida Panthers, and Calder Trophy-winning, defenseman Aaron Ekblad. The 19-year-old blueliner, who scored 12 goals and 27 assists while compiling a stout +12 rating this past season, was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Joining Ekblad were the two forwards he beat out for the Calder, Mark Stone and Johnny Gaudreau, as well as Nashville’s Filip Forsberg , defenseman John Klingberg, who led all rookie d-men with 40 points, and goaltender Jake Allen of the St. Louis Blues.
Yesterday was a big day in the NHL. The league announced a few rules changes, including the adoption of 3-on-3 overtime. There was all those awards handed out last night in Las Vegas. And speaking of Vegas… Gary Bettman announced the formal opening of the expansion process, with Sin City seemingly being a lock to become the circuit’s 31st franchise in time for its 100th anniversary.
Lots to discuss. Your comments are more than welcome below.