Q: How much time do you plan to take off before getting back to work this summer?
EKBLAD: It depends on health, mostly. Little injuries and stuff like that need some time to heal at the end of the season. But I played 82 games the last two years, so my health's been good.
Q: How does your training typically progress as the summer rolls along?
EKBLAD: It starts off with more maintenance-type work, which I'll probably start doing in a week or two. That keeps things healthy and builds a foundation for strength. So week or two after the season ends, it's building that foundation. After that, I'll start working on building muscle.
Q: Do you train with any current or former NHL players?
EKBLAD: Well, I train with Lou [Roberto Luongo]. I also train with [Winnipeg Jets defensemen] Jacob Trouba and Dmitry Kulikov, who obviously played here.
Q: Given that's he's already played 19 seasons in the NHL, how much does training with Luongo push you to be better?
EKBLAD: I obviously want to be working harder than him. I want to have those levels and my heartrate a little higher than his. It's important to see guys working out and get motivated, but you also have to have your own self-motivation. I think I have that now and maybe didn't have that my first couple years. My self-motivation to get better and get stronger is burning hot. It's one of those things that won't waver for me for a long time.
Q: Whether it's technical or physical, what areas of your game are you focusing on in your summer training?
EKBLAD: Physical, for sure. I start skating early, so the technical aspect of playing hockey is something that comes with that, playing games, getting experience and watching video. I want to get physically stronger. That's really what's most important to me right now.
Q: You've spent a lot of time with the guys in that locker room this season. Which one of your Panthers teammates do you think you're going to miss seeing the most on a regular basis throughout the summer?
EKBLAD: I'll miss seeing everybody. All the funny times with Yands [Keith Yandle], hanging out with Matty [Mike Matheson], having fun with the guys. At one point or another, you miss them all.
