Luongo pumps Ekblad's tires as best Panthers player this season
Robert Luongo sure knows how to boost a kid's confidence.
Speaking at the NHL's All-Star media gathering on Friday in Columbus, the Florida Panthers goaltender was asked about rookie defenseman Aaron Ekblad, and offered the highest of praise in response:
Luongo just said Ekblad has been best Panther on ice this season #flapanthers
— Harvey Fialkov (@hfialkov) January 23, 2015
Ekblad, 18, has impressed during his first season as a pro, recording six goals, 19 assists and a plus-7 rating while averaging 22 minutes.
Drafted first overall at the 2014 Draft, Ekblad has the look of a franchise-type defenseman that all teams covet, and - Luongo's contributions aside - is a big reason why the Panthers remain in playoff contention at the break.
Ekblad was also named to the All-Star roster as an injury replacement for Erik Johnson of the Colorado Avalanche, giving him an NHL record in the process:
At 18 years, 352 days old (on Sunday), Aaron Ekblad will become the youngest defenseman to play for an NHL All-Star team. #FlaPanthers
— Jameson C. Olive (@JamesonCoop) January 23, 2015