Aaron Ekblad Trade Rumor Update

The rumors began even before their Stanley Cup run was complete, and resurfaced again this summer: The Florida Panthers are considering trading defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

But the latest suggestion on the impending UFA is that the Panthers are more likely to keep him through the coming season, and the final year of his contract. That comes to us from Kyle Richardson of The Hockey News, who correctly notes that the free agency departure this summer of Brandon Montour means that Ekblad's time on ice—and importance to the blueline—will be expanding even more this season in his top-pairing role.

Trading him now would further deplete their right-side depth. Expect Ekblad to play out this season with the defending Stanley Cup champions.

The 28-year-old right-shot D is going into the final season of an eight-year contract with a $7.5 million cap hit.

This past year, he played only 51 games after missing the first month after shoulder surgery and then being forced out of the lineup with an assortment of other injuries later in the season. He recorded 18 points and a very healthy plus/minus rating of +27, while playing just under 21 minutes a night.

He was relied on even more heavily come playoff time, as he was on the ice for 22:33 per game, while delivering 71 hits and 48 blocks in 24 games.

The Panthers still have a goal of defending their championship this season, and they'll need Ekblad to do it—expiring contract or not.