Two seasons ago, Paris defenseman Ken Kuusk set a league record for goals by a defenseman when he fired in 27. The Estonian was 30 then and squarely on his way to being one of the best ever to shoot from the blueline. He is currently fifth all-time, in fact.

But last season, Kuusk wasn’t the top scorer among defensemen. Aaron Ekblad of Minsk passed him by two goals (23 to Kuusk’s 21). That was nothing compared to what was to come this season, Ekblad is 29 and has already shattered the league record for goals by a defenseman with 31 and two games left to play. The 6-4 Canadian is 18th all-time in goals by a blueliner.

Since being drafted 8th overall in Season 4, Ekblad has been a key member of the Hussar defense corps. Until about three seasons ago, he was a steady, reliable, clean two-way player who was very careful with the puck. Currently, he has the 11th-best career plus/minus rating in EURO history among defensemen. In Season 13, however, his offensive production rose to elite territory. His point total shot up from 41 the year before to 65, and he followed that with seasons of 50 and 55 points. This season, he has 64 and chance to tie or break his personal-best season.

As impressive has been his durability. Through 12 seasons, Ekblad has missed just two games.

Minsk General Manager Igor Kirunov knows a good thing when he sees one and he’s tied Ekblad down with a $9.9 million contract the extends another two seasons and possibly a third if Minsk claims a team option.

And if you are wondering how close Kuusk is to Ekblad’s 31 goals this season, well, he and his teammates have had a down year and he’s only scored 11 with three games to play.