NHL Trade Rumors: Panthers To Move Aaron Ekblad This Summer?

Thursday, August 08, 2024

Amidst the offseason, trade rumors have surrounded Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. 

The 28-year-old blueliner, fresh off a Stanley Cup victory, is frequently mentioned as a potential trade candidate due to his $7.5 million cap hit and impending free agency next summer. 

With the Panthers facing a salary cap crunch and needing to re-sign key players like Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett, speculation suggests that GM Bill Zito might use Ekblad as a trade chip to balance the roster and secure future assets. 

The rumors gained traction when Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun reported that the Panthers might trade Ekblad to free up cap space, especially after Brandon Montour signed with the Seattle Kraken.

However, Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report casts doubt on the likelihood of Ekblad being moved. 

Richardson highlights insights from Florida Hockey Now's Alan Greenberg, who argues that the departures of Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson leave Ekblad as the Panthers' best right-shot defenseman, increasing his importance to the team, particularly on the power play. 

Although Ekblad's no-movement clause has shifted to a 12-team no-trade list, providing some flexibility, Richardson suggests that Ekblad's critical role on the team and Zito's aggressive trade history make a trade less probable. 

Despite the persistent rumors, the reality of Ekblad's departure remains anything but certain.

Over the past three seasons, the 28-year-old has recorded 33 goals, 113 total points, a +51 plus/minus rating, 224 hits, and 208 blocked shots across 183 games played.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports



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