The current NHL season isn't even over yet but Belle River native Aaron Ekblad is already thinking about next season.
The 21-year-old Florida Panthers defenceman is back in the area, working out and spending time with family and friends, but plans to return to Florida in mid-July to really focus on getting ready for the upcoming season. The 2016-71 season was one to forget for Ekblad. He was limited to 68 games this season due to a pair of injuries. He suffered what was called 'whiplash' during the World Cup of Hockey in September and then suffered a concussion after a hit from behind in March.
Ekblad says he's feeling healthy since his last injury.
"I feel confident and ready that I've limited the chances of that to ever happen again," Ekblad tells AM800. "I think I've gotten a lot stronger and a lot better, with a good 3 or 4 months here to continue to prepare I'll be fine."
Belle River's Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
Ekblad says he's been taking time with family and friends but he will soon leave next month to get ready for next season.
"I bought a house in Florida so I'll be up there July 15th time, get away from all the distractions and be focused and ready for next year," he says. "I've been off for so long that, I only took a couple months off and then kept going, so a month of working out and skating, I feel pretty good."
The former NHL Rookie of the Year finished last season with 21 points over 68 games. He also went from plus-18 in 2015-2016 to minus-23 last season as the Florida Panthers struggled and missed the playoffs. But Ekblad did post a career-high 225 shots on goal, second most on the team.