Jameson Olive: Ekblad not sweating Calder Trophy race

[coopdaloop123]

Howdy,

Talked to Aaron Ekblad after Sunday's loss about this year's heated Calder Trophy race. As you'd expect, he was very humble and focused on the team rather than his own personal accolades.

http://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/aaron-ekblad-florida-panthers-2015-calder-trophy-race-040715

Click to read more...

 

[I am not exposed]

Am I the only one who doesn't want him to win the Calder?

I don't know, it seems players go through the dreaded sophomore slump if they do!

 

[FlaPnthrsPunk]

Am I the only one who doesn't want him to win the Calder?

I don't know, it seems players go through the dreaded sophomore slump if they do!

Huberdeau sure did. I'm sure Ekblad would love to win the Calder, but he seems like the type of player that won't get too discouraged if gets beat out. Even if he doesn't as it's very difficult for a defenseman to win it over impressive forwards, he should be damn proud of the way he's played in his rookie season. I knew he'd be good, but he's gone overall way over my expectations.

 

[I am not exposed]

Huberdeau sure did. I'm sure Ekblad would love to win the Calder, but he seems like the type of player that won't get too discouraged if gets beat out. Even if he doesn't as it's very difficult for a defenseman to win it over impressive forwards, he should be damn proud of the way he's played in his rookie season. I knew he'd be good, but he's gone overall way over my expectations.

I concur.

 

[Juggernaut27]

Wait, wait.

Ekblad sweats...?

 

[harv33173]

huberdeau sure did. I'm sure ekblad would love to win the calder, but he seems like the type of player that won't get too discouraged if gets beat out. Even if he doesn't as it's very difficult for a defenseman to win it over impressive forwards, he should be damn proud of the way he's played in his rookie season. I knew he'd be good, but he's gone overall way over my expectations.

absolutely!!!!!!

 

[FlaPanthers11]

Ekblad one of the three finalists with Gaudreau and Stone.

 

[Gentle Man]

Gaudreau is going to win me thinks. Lot of hockey insiders and reports I hear are all claiming he should win it.

 

[AwesomePanthers]

Gaudreau is going to win me thinks. Lot of hockey insiders and reports I hear are all claiming he should win it.

LeBrun had Ekblad winning.

 

[Gentle Man]

LeBrun had Ekblad winning.

90% of NHL Radio has Johnny B. Gaudreau. he won the Espos too for best rook.

 

[Juggernaut27]

I'm thinking there's a decent chance Ekblad benefits from Stone's impressive stretch run and siphones votes from JG for those that just follow the hype.

Also helps it's split the eastern and western Canadian media and Ekblad is a nice neutral Switzerland who just happens to be a high-profile Canadian too.

Or at least that's what I'm going with...

 

[Crossbar]

How come Forsberg wasn't a finalist???

 

[panthersfan94]

How come Forsberg wasn't a finalist???

He finished 3rd in points behind Stone and Gaudreau so unless you think he should have replaced Ekblad then...

 

[FlaPnthrsPunk]

I'm very surprised that Forsberg wasn't nominated when many fans around the league chosen him throughout the season over Ekblad. I think Gaudreau is the most likely to win as the Flames could be the complete surprise of this year's playoffs.

Just remember in 2013 when many chose Landeskog over Huberdeau and look who the winner was. I don't see Stone winning it, but stranger things have happened.

 

[FlaPanthers11]

I'm very surprised that Forsberg wasn't nominated when many fans around the league chosen him throughout the season over Ekblad. I think Gaudreau is the most likely to win as the Flames could be the complete surprise of this year's playoffs.

Just remember in 2013 when many chose Landeskog over Huberdeau and look who the winner was. I don't see Stone winning it, but stranger things have happened.

Do you mean Saad?

Landeskog won in 2012.

 

[FlaPnthrsPunk]

Do you mean Saad?

Landeskog won in 2012.

Yeah. Thanks. I'm getting my years mixed up here. Honestly, I meant Gallagher too. I remember more people speaking about him than Huberdeau.

 

[Crossbar]

He finished 3rd in points behind Stone and Gaudreau so unless you think he should have replaced Ekblad then...

Damn! I had no idea, thought he was so far ahead in points that no one was going to overtake him.

 

[Juggernaut27]

Damn! I had no idea, thought he was so far ahead in points that no one was going to overtake him.

He had one less point. I think Stone's defensive play and the fact that FF has a better supporting cast tipped the balance.

 

[Mogo]

I think Ekblad might have a good chance to surprise and win. One of the best rookie 18 year old dmen of all-time. Only around 20 points less than Stone and that's playing D!

 

[Android 16]

We missed out on Connor McDavid, but at least we got the defensive version of Connor McDavid to represent the franchise and help lead us to a cup one day. I firmly believe AE was born to be great and do great things. I see him getting better and better moving forward. All we gotta do is sit back, support him and watch greatness unfold. Calder or no calder, having Aaron Ekblad as a Florida Panther is such a blessing. Remember, this guy should've been a Sabre. We actually got lucky for a change.

 

[Aksu]

We missed out on Connor McDavid, but at least we got the defensive version of Connor McDavid to represent the franchise and help lead us to a cup one day. I firmly believe AE was born to be great and do great things. I see him getting better and better moving forward. All we gotta do is sit back, support him and watch greatness unfold. Calder or no calder, having Aaron Ekblad as a Florida Panther is such a blessing. Remember, this guy should've been a Sabre. We actually got lucky for a change.

Imagine if Sabres got AE5 last year and if they would of got CM97 this year.. The hate would be strong.

 

[IM Clutcm]

We missed out on Connor McDavid, but at least we got the defensive version of Connor McDavid to represent the franchise and help lead us to a cup one day. I firmly believe AE was born to be great and do great things. I see him getting better and better moving forward. All we gotta do is sit back, support him and watch greatness unfold. Calder or no calder, having Aaron Ekblad as a Florida Panther is such a blessing. Remember, this guy should've been a Sabre. We actually got lucky for a change.

Maybe I just wasn't aware of their intentions, but I thought they were picking one of the Sams even if they won the lottery. Wasn't the general consensus that Buffalo was satisfied with their defensive prospects and wanted to improve their offense?

 

[SoupyFIN]

Maybe I just wasn't aware of their intentions, but I thought they were picking one of the Sams even if they won the lottery. Wasn't the general consensus that Buffalo was satisfied with their defensive prospects and wanted to improve their offense?

Still waiting for that smoke screen to clear.

 

[I am not exposed]

Maybe I just wasn't aware of their intentions, but I thought they were picking one of the Sams even if they won the lottery. Wasn't the general consensus that Buffalo was satisfied with their defensive prospects and wanted to improve their offense?

Recall Murray saying Ekblad was the top pick in 2014.