Panthers' Ekblad in good company after breaking franchise record

Aaron Ekblad broke the Florida Panthers record for points by a rookie defenseman with an assist in Sunday's loss to the Washington Capitals.

Ekblad passed retired blue-liner Ed Jovanovski with his 22nd point, a feat he accomplished in just 37 games, while Jovanovski's point total took 70 contests.

Ekblad's offensive production is even more impressive considering his age. Most defensemen are not NHL-ready at 18, let alone producing above a 40-point pace.

Only two other defensemen in NHL history have recorded more than 0.5 points per game as 18-year-old rookies: Phil Housley and Bobby Orr.