Ekblad was only the second player in OHL history to be granted exceptional player status, which made him eligible for the 2011 OHL Priority Selection as a 15 year old. In his rookie season with the Florida Panthers, Ekblad recorded 12 goals with 27 assists for a total of 39 points. Ekblad averaged nearly 22 minutes of ice time per game and was credited with 109 hits as well as 80 blocked shots. Ekblad has autographed and inscribed '12G 27A 39P' on this UDA designed 16"x24" image in black paint pen. His signature and inscription were witnessed by a UDA representative and are deemed authentic by virtue of Upper Deck Authenticated's Five-Step Process.