Ekblad will be on the Panthers' roster for at least the first nine regular-season games, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "He's going to be here for a while, and he'll get a good look," general manager Dale Tallon said. "I thought he got better as the game went on [Thursday]," continued Tallon. "He was one of the bright lights in a poor performance by a lot of other guys." Ekblad has been physically mature since he was 15, but the NHL game is very different than major junior. He's going to be a good one ... in a few years.

Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon isn't guaranteeing Aaron Ekblad a spot on the team's opening game roster after selecting him with the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft."We'll have a good, long look at him at training camp," Tallon said. "If he's ready, he's ready. If not, well, [Jonathan] Huberdeau went back. Guys come back better players." Huberdeau was taken with the third overall pick in 2011 and went on to win the Calder Trophy in 2013. Ekblad might not have much fantasy value in 2014-15, but we do think he'll at least make the team's opening game roster.

Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon isn't guaranteeing Aaron Ekblad a spot on the team's opening game roster after selecting him with the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. "We'll have a good, long look at him at training camp," Tallon said. "If he's ready, he's ready. If not, well, [Jonathan] Huberdeau went back. Guys come back better players." Huberdeau was taken with the third overall pick in 2011 and went on to win the Calder Trophy in 2013. Ekblad might not have much fantasy value in 2014-15, but we do think he'll at least make the team's opening game roster.