OHL exemption Ekblad got it

[214_Stars]

http://tsn.ca/chl/story/?id=360230

This will be interesting

[Scott]

I've been reading about this kid quite a bit.. it'll be fun to see where he ends up and how he does.

[Lee]

6'3 200 lbs at 15... wow.

[Shep]

bust

[214_Stars]

His hype will make him bust proof till the NHL...even if he doesn't produce he'll ride the "hype" wave of look at him and what he did once bound to come through eventually.

[bma]

Not sure how talented this kid actually is. But I think the main reason why he's moving up is cause of his size - he's probably on average a good 50-60lbs heavier than his teammates.

[MSP4LYFE]

Not sure how talented this kid actually is. But I think the main reason why he's moving up is cause of his size - he's probably on average a good 50-60lbs heavier than his teammates.

I don't know if you are familiar with the process to become an exceptional player, but trust me, you don't just get it because of size...I've never seen him play, but based on this honor I can safely assume that there is a high skill level there, you essentially have to ruin the lower leagues, and display strong character and maturity to get special player status.

My worry with this kid is that he is already 6'3 and 200llb at 15. The threat of growing too much and becoming awkward in his movements is very real.

[bills09]

Not sure how talented this kid actually is. But I think the main reason why he's moving up is cause of his size - he's probably on average a good 50-60lbs heavier than his teammates.

I don't know if you are familiar with the process to become an exceptional player, but trust me, you don't just get it because of size...I've never seen him play, but based on this honor I can safely assume that there is a high skill level there, you essentially have to ruin the lower leagues, and display strong character and maturity to get special player status.

My worry with this kid is that he is already 6'3 and 200llb at 15. The threat of growing too much and becoming awkward in his movements is very real.

Has a defencemen in the ohl ever been declared "exceptional" I can only think of centers....

[MSP4LYFE]

Not that I know of.

[214_Stars]

Think Johnny T and this kid were the only true exemptions where they could play outside of their home town.

[bills09]

Think Johnny T and this kid were the only true exemptions where they could play outside of their home town.

Lindros?

[Nick]

Has a defencemen in the ohl ever been declared "exceptional" I can only think of centers....

Yep -> Hon.Mr.Orr

Let him play @ 14/15, NHL @ 18... unheard of at the time.

[Mike]

Has a defencemen in the ohl ever been declared "exceptional" I can only think of centers....

Yep -> Hon.Mr.Orr

Let him play @ 14/15, NHL @ 18... unheard of at the time.

OHA, not OHL and pre-NHL draft.

I can't think of any d-men granted exceptional status. Spezza and Fata both allowed to play for hometown clubs so not really exceptional status. Tavares... and now Ekblad. Any others? There are a few guys that played cups of coffee in the OHA/L as 15 year olds but that's all I can think of...

[Nick]

OHA is the same... and Bobby played his first game there @ 14...

Wayne "had coffee" @ 15 I believe...with a full season @ 16

[Mike]

OHA is the same... and Bobby played his first game there @ 14...

Wayne "had coffee" @ 15 I believe...with a full season @ 16

I don't believe the same rules were in place when Orr started playing in Oshawa. Could be wrong.

[Nick]

pretty unlikely to be the same rules I agree, but still Dmen have been let in early before similar circumstances if you will.

[Arian The Insider]

i'm pretty sure the first exemption was tavares

[MSP4LYFE]

Correction...Magnus Svensson Paajarvi was the very first waiver exempt player in the OHL, but he declined on account of wanting to stay home in Sweden.

It is also a well known fact that Chuck Norris was accepted into the OHL at conception, but declined to pursue other avenues.

[Arian The Insider]

Correction...Magnus Svensson Paajarvi was the very first waiver exempt player in the OHL, but he declined on account of wanting to stay home in Sweden.

It is also a well known fact that Chuck Norris was accepted into the OHL at conception, but declined to pursue other avenues.

thank you for clearing that up