Aaron Ekblad calls for harsher punishments for on-ice disrespect

Aaron Ekblad doesn't look like a 20-year-old, and didn't sound like one either Tuesday.

The Florida Panthers defenseman shared an introspective opinion on head injuries, and a general lack of on-ice insolence carried by certain players in the league.

From Jameson Olive of FloridaPanthers.com:

"As a player in the NHL, there are some guys you have to watch out for, and you've got to protect yourself. If that means protecting yourself and taking care of yourself in every situation and just making sure you're aware and alert, then that's what you've got to do. You can't overlook any shift in this league and you have to know who you're on the ice with. That's something you kind of have to take care of. It's not something you worry about, not something you're scared of. If you're scared, you're going to get hurt."

Like many fans and pundits, Ekblad believes in harsher punishments, but is also urging players to do their part in protecting themselves.

"Obviously you want to see guys getting punished for things they shouldn't be doing. I'm not a dirty player. I don't think I've hit anyone from behind or hit somebody in the head in my two years (in the NHL). I feel there should be stiffer punishments for guys that don't respect other players' health in the league. It's a dangerous game and we all know that. We all signed up for it, but guys definitely have to take care of themselves better, and that's me included.

"The other guys have to have more respect, and I think the league should obviously come down harder on repeat offenders and guys that don't respect other players."