Report: Panthers likely to select Aaron Ekblad if unable to trade No. 1 pick

While the Florida Panthers entertain offers for the first overall pick at the NHL Draft, it appears as though general manager Dale Tallon and his army of scouts have zeroed in on their likely selection should they fail to find a suitable trade partner.

Whether or not this information is being used as a ruse in order to throw teams off or to up the ante in regards to a trade is yet to be determined; however, if the Panthers do decide to draft Ekblad, they will add a potential franchise defenseman to a group of talented young forwards.

Either way, the Panthers are in a good spot in advance of the festivities on June 27.