Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Aaron Ekblad is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 7, 1996, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Ekblad is a two-time Stanley Cup champion who helped the Panthers win consecutive championships in 2024 and 2025.
Beyond his successful hockey career, Ekblad is a husband, father, son, and younger brother. He is married to Dr. Dayna Ekblad, formerly Dayna Mastronardi, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son, on October 5, 2026.
His parents are David and Lisa Ekblad, while his older brother, Darien Ekblad, is a former competitive ice hockey goaltender. His family has played an important role in supporting his journey from minor hockey in Ontario to becoming an NHL champion.
Aaron Ekblad’s Girlfriend and Wife: Who Is He Married To?
Aaron Ekblad is married to Dr. Dayna Ekblad (née Mastronardi), a Canadian physician who grew up in Leamington, Ontario.
The couple married in July 2022 after approximately seven years together.
Aaron Ekblad’s Wife: Dr. Dayna Mastronardi
Dayna Mastronardi is a medical doctor who studied at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Although she is married to one of the NHL’s most recognizable defensemen, Dayna maintains a relatively private public profile.
Her relationship with Aaron began around 2015, when they met in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
According to a September 2022 interview published by Daily Faceoff, the couple discovered that they had grown up approximately 20 minutes apart in Ontario.
Ekblad grew up in Belle River, while Dayna was raised in nearby Leamington.
Despite their geographic proximity during childhood, they did not meet until Dayna visited Florida with her family.
The two met at a bar in Fort Lauderdale and eventually began dating.
Their relationship developed as Ekblad established himself as an important player for the Florida Panthers.
Aaron Ekblad and Dayna’s Engagement
After several years together, Aaron Ekblad proposed to Dayna in the summer of 2020.
Reports about the engagement indicate that the hockey player shared photographs of the romantic occasion on Instagram.
At the time, Dayna was completing her medical education, and Ekblad publicly celebrated her academic achievements.
He also congratulated her after she graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2020.
The couple continued planning their future together while balancing demanding professional careers in medicine and ice hockey.
Aaron Ekblad and Dayna’s Wedding
Aaron Ekblad and Dayna Mastronardi married on July 30, 2022, in Miami, Florida, according to published biographical reports.
The wedding followed approximately seven years of dating.
In an interview with Daily Faceoff, Ekblad discussed the celebration and explained that Dayna had handled much of the wedding planning.
He described the experience positively and expressed appreciation for the effort she put into organizing their special day.
The wedding occurred during the NHL offseason, shortly before Ekblad returned to Florida Panthers training camp.
Since their marriage, the couple has continued building their life in South Florida.
Why Aaron Ekblad and His Wife Consider Florida Home
Although both Aaron and Dayna grew up in Ontario, they consider South Florida their permanent home.
During a July 2025 interview with the Florida Panthers, Ekblad explained that the couple had developed strong personal relationships in the area.
The decision to remain in Florida was especially meaningful when he signed an eight-year contract extension with the Panthers in June 2025.
In another interview published through iHeart in July 2025, Ekblad explained that he and Dayna had met in Florida and built much of their adult lives there.
He also confirmed that his wife is a physician who completed medical residency training.
For the couple, South Florida represents more than a place where Ekblad plays professional hockey.
It is where they established their marriage, developed friendships, and began raising their family.
Aaron Ekblad’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
Aaron Ekblad has one publicly confirmed child, a son born on October 5, 2026. He and his wife, Dayna, welcomed their first child during the opening weeks of the 2026–27 NHL season.
Aaron Ekblad’s Son
Ekblad became a father for the first time in October 2026, marking an important milestone in his personal life.
According to reporting by Florida Hockey Now and the Miami Herald, Ekblad temporarily left the Panthers during a road trip to California so he could return home for his son’s birth.
He missed the team’s games against the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings while remaining with his wife.
His son was born on the evening of October 5, 2026.
The family remained at the hospital for approximately four nights before returning home.
Speaking after the Panthers’ practice on October 9, Ekblad confirmed that his wife and newborn son were doing well.
He expressed happiness about having his son at home and beginning his new responsibilities as a father.
The child’s name has not been reliably established in public reporting.
Aaron Ekblad Returns to Hockey After Becoming a Father
After spending several days with Dayna and their newborn son, Ekblad returned to the Panthers lineup for their home opener against the Minnesota Wild on October 10, 2026.
The game was significant for two reasons.
It was his first NHL appearance since becoming a father, and it also marked his 807th regular-season game with Florida.
That appearance moved him ahead of Aleksander Barkov for the franchise record in games played.
Although the milestone received considerable media attention, the birth of his first child was undoubtedly an important personal event.
The Florida Panthers also acknowledged his new role as a father in their official preview of the home opener.
Does Aaron Ekblad Have a Daughter?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Aaron Ekblad has a daughter.
His only publicly confirmed child is the son he welcomed with Dayna in October 2026.
Aaron Ekblad’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Aaron Ekblad was born to David Ekblad and Lisa Ekblad in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
His parents raised Aaron and his older brother, Darien, in Belle River, a community in Lakeshore, Ontario.
Both played important roles in supporting their sons’ education, athletic development, and personal growth.
Aaron Ekblad’s Father: David Ekblad
David Ekblad, also known as Dave Ekblad, is Aaron’s father and one of the most influential people in his life.
He is a chartered accountant who worked as the chief financial officer of Flex-N-Gate, an automotive parts manufacturer.
David has been a longtime supporter of the Detroit Red Wings, an NHL team based across the border from Windsor.
His love of hockey influenced both Aaron and Darien during childhood.
According to a 2015 feature published by Grantland, David admired former NHL defenseman Derian Hatcher so much that he named his eldest son Darien after him, using a different spelling.
David encouraged both sons to participate in hockey while allowing them to make their own decisions about their sporting interests.
He recognized Aaron’s talent from a young age and supported his development through minor hockey programs in Ontario.
When Aaron was approximately 15 years old, he received exceptional player status, allowing him to join the Ontario Hockey League earlier than normally permitted.
David supported the decision and believed his son was ready for the challenges of major junior hockey.
Throughout Aaron’s professional career, David continued attending games and following his achievements.
David Ekblad Celebrates Aaron’s Stanley Cup Victories
One of David’s proudest moments occurred in June 2024, when the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers to win their first Stanley Cup championship.
After the victory, Aaron brought the trophy to his hometown in August 2024.
During an interview with NHL.com, David became emotional while reflecting on the years of dedication, injuries, and challenges his son had overcome.
He described the championship as the culmination of a long journey for the entire family.
David also attended the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, when the Panthers defeated Edmonton again.
In June 2025, he joined his wife Lisa for an interview with Windsor radio station AM800, discussing their excitement about watching Aaron compete for another championship.
Aaron Ekblad’s Mother: Lisa Ekblad
Lisa Ekblad is Aaron Ekblad’s mother and a nurse practitioner from Ontario, Canada.
Like her husband, she was heavily involved in supporting Aaron and Darien throughout their childhood.
Lisa regularly accompanied her sons to hockey practices, tournaments, and other sporting activities.
In a February 2015 interview with Sports Illustrated, she explained that Aaron had always displayed an unusually mature personality.
She encouraged him to remain disciplined and take responsibility for his decisions.
Lisa was initially concerned when Aaron received the opportunity to leave home and join the Barrie Colts at just 15 years old.
She worried about his education, safety, homesickness, and adjustment to living away from his family.
However, Aaron carefully explained why he believed the opportunity would benefit his development.
After discussing the advantages and disadvantages with her son, Lisa agreed to support his decision.
The move proved important in Aaron’s development into one of Canada’s most promising young defensemen.
Lisa Ekblad’s Support Throughout Aaron’s NHL Career
Lisa continued supporting Aaron after he was selected first overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
During difficult periods involving injuries and rehabilitation, she remained an important source of encouragement.
When Aaron won the Stanley Cup in 2024, Lisa joined the family’s hometown celebrations in Ontario.
Speaking to NHL.com in August 2024, she recalled the many weekends the family spent traveling to youth hockey tournaments.
Although the schedule required substantial time and commitment, she explained that those experiences allowed the family to develop lasting friendships.
She also expressed pride in watching Aaron share his championship with young hockey players from his hometown.
In June 2025, Lisa again discussed her son’s Stanley Cup journey during an interview with AM800 radio.
She emphasized how difficult it is for professional athletes to reach the Stanley Cup Final and how much she appreciated the opportunity to witness her son’s success.
Aaron Ekblad’s Siblings: Does He Have a Brother or Sister?
Aaron Ekblad has one older brother named Darien Ekblad. Their relationship is documented in Hockey Canada’s official player biography, Sports Illustrated interviews, and other hockey publications.
Aaron Ekblad’s Older Brother: Darien Ekblad
Darien Ekblad is approximately 18 months older than Aaron and also pursued competitive ice hockey.
Unlike his younger brother, who became a defenseman, Darien played as a goaltender.
The brothers grew up together in Belle River, Ontario, where hockey was an important part of everyday family life.
During childhood, they frequently practiced together in the family’s basement.
Aaron would shoot pucks while Darien attempted to stop them.
According to a 2015 Sports Illustrated feature, their competitive games occasionally became intense, including one occasion when Aaron accidentally injured Darien’s toe with a shot.
Despite ordinary sibling rivalry, the brothers developed a close friendship.
Darien Ekblad’s Hockey Career
Darien played competitive junior hockey in Ontario.
He was selected by the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection and later made an OHL appearance with the Saginaw Spirit.
He also played for junior hockey teams including the Leamington Flyers and Chatham Maroons.
Although Darien did not establish a long-term professional NHL career, he gained valuable experience in competitive junior hockey.
He later pursued studies in sport management at Niagara College.
During an interview with Sports Illustrated in February 2015, Darien described Aaron as his best friend.
He expressed admiration for his younger brother’s work ethic, determination, and ability to remain composed under pressure.
Rather than feeling jealous of Aaron’s professional achievements, Darien said that watching his younger brother succeed inspired him to work harder toward his own goals.
Darien Ekblad Celebrates Aaron’s 2025 Stanley Cup Victory
In June 2025, Darien shared another memorable moment with his younger brother when the Florida Panthers won their second consecutive Stanley Cup.
During an interview with Sportsnet immediately after the championship victory on June 17, Aaron became emotional while discussing the experience of sharing the achievement with his brother.
The moment highlighted the strong relationship between the siblings and the importance of their shared childhood experiences.
Does Aaron Ekblad Have a Sister?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Aaron Ekblad has a sister.
Hockey Canada’s official 2015 World Championship media guide identifies David and Lisa Ekblad as his parents and lists one brother, Darien.
Aaron Ekblad’s Grandparents and Swedish Family Heritage
Aaron Ekblad also has ancestral connections to Sweden through his paternal family.
According to a June 2014 feature published by The Hockey News, his great-grandfather, Gunnar Ekblad, was a professional wrestler in Sweden before immigrating to Canada.
Aaron has acknowledged his Swedish ancestry in interviews, explaining that his family surname reflects those roots.
Aaron Ekblad’s Grandmother: Cecilia
Aaron also maintains a close relationship with his grandmother Cecilia.
During his August 2024 Stanley Cup celebration in Ontario, he visited her at a retirement residence.
According to Florida Hockey Now, Cecilia regularly watches Panthers games and enjoys the team’s mascots, Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Ratt.
To make the occasion memorable, Aaron brought the Stanley Cup and arranged for Viktor E. Ratt to visit his grandmother.
The gesture reflected his appreciation for the extended family members who supported his professional hockey journey.
Aaron Ekblad’s Family Background and Early Life
Aaron Ekblad was born on February 7, 1996, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
He grew up in Belle River, where his parents encouraged him and Darien to participate in sports.
Aaron developed his skills through minor hockey programs, including the Sun County Panthers.
In 2011, Hockey Canada granted him exceptional player status, allowing him to enter the Ontario Hockey League at age 15.
He became the first defenseman to receive that recognition.
The Barrie Colts selected him first overall in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection.
During his time with Barrie, Ekblad developed into one of the leading defensemen in Canadian junior hockey.
His performances earned him the opportunity to represent Canada internationally.
The Florida Panthers selected him first overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Ekblad made his NHL debut on October 9, 2014, and became an important member of Florida’s defense.
Following his rookie season, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2015.
He subsequently developed into one of the longest-serving players in Panthers franchise history.
His career achievements include helping Florida win consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.
On June 30, 2025, the Panthers announced an eight-year contract extension keeping him with the team through the 2032–33 season.
In October 2026, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in regular-season games played while also celebrating the birth of his first child.
Throughout his career, Ekblad has acknowledged the importance of his parents, wife, brother, and extended family in helping him achieve professional success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aaron Ekblad’s Family
Who is Aaron Ekblad’s wife?
Aaron Ekblad is married to Dr. Dayna Ekblad, formerly Dayna Mastronardi. She is a Canadian physician who grew up in Leamington, Ontario.
Does Aaron Ekblad have a girlfriend?
Aaron Ekblad is married to his longtime partner Dayna Mastronardi. They began dating around 2015 and married in July 2022.
When did Aaron Ekblad get married?
Aaron Ekblad and Dayna Mastronardi married in late July 2022 in Miami, Florida. Published biographical reports identify July 30 as their wedding date.
What does Aaron Ekblad’s wife do?
His wife, Dr. Dayna Ekblad, is a physician who studied at Nova Southeastern University and completed medical residency training.
Does Aaron Ekblad have children?
Yes. Aaron Ekblad and his wife welcomed their first child, a son, on October 5, 2026.
What is Aaron Ekblad’s son’s name?
The name of Aaron Ekblad’s son has not been reliably confirmed in public reporting. His birth was announced in October 2026.
Does Aaron Ekblad have a daughter?
There is no publicly confirmed information indicating that Aaron Ekblad has a daughter.
Who is Aaron Ekblad’s father?
His father is David Ekblad, also known as Dave. He is a chartered accountant who worked as the chief financial officer of an automotive parts manufacturer.
Who is Aaron Ekblad’s mother?
His mother is Lisa Ekblad, a nurse practitioner who supported his development throughout his childhood and junior hockey career.
Does Aaron Ekblad have siblings?
Yes. Aaron Ekblad has one older brother, Darien Ekblad, who played competitive junior hockey as a goaltender.
Is Darien Ekblad related to Aaron Ekblad?
Yes. Darien Ekblad is Aaron’s older brother. The siblings grew up playing hockey together in Belle River, Ontario.
Does Aaron Ekblad have a sister?
No sister has been publicly confirmed. Hockey Canada’s official biography identifies one brother, Darien.
Is Aaron Ekblad Swedish?
Aaron Ekblad is Canadian, but he has Swedish ancestry through his paternal family. His great-grandfather, Gunnar Ekblad, was originally from Sweden.
Where is Aaron Ekblad from?
Aaron Ekblad was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in nearby Belle River.
How many Stanley Cups has Aaron Ekblad won?
Aaron Ekblad has won two Stanley Cup championships with the Florida Panthers, in 2024 and 2025.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
