Rats Roundup – World Cup Updates, Huberdeau Commits

This just in: Team North America is really good. That news shouldn’t be surprising considering that Aaron Ekblad and Vincent Trocheck are on the roster.

Well, the team of youngsters began their quest to take the World Cup last night (sort of), as they took down Team Europe 4-0 in their first exhibition game. Ekblad notched a primary assist on the first goal of the game — a Nathan MacKinnon strike – and was a key cog on the defensive unit that shut down Team Europe all night.

Ekblad’s also flexing his leadership traits, as he was named one of the team’s alternate captains. Those same traits earned him praise from Sports Illustrated’s Alex Prewitt, who profiled Ekblad this week.

The key takeaway? Aside from Ekblad’s pregame meal including exactly one cookie, it’s his commitment to the organization and the area.

“It’s probably not the best negotiating tactic to come out and say it, but I always wanted to be in Ft. Lauderdale and Sunrise and play for the Florida Panthers,” he says. “I tried to make that known as much as possible and I think the team responded well to that. Their commitment to myself and my commitment to the team, I think it’s a great fit. I’m very happy.”

Prewitt wasn’t the only one to write about Ekblad this week, as an up-and-coming blogger did as well. An NHL.com writer by the name of Aaron Ekblad.

That’s right, …

continue reading in source panthers.nhl.com