Report: Aaron Ekblad Could Be "Shocking" Trade Deadline Candidate
According to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, the Panthers could consider moving the 29-year-old defenseman ahead of the March 7 trade deadline as they push for another Stanley Cup.
Talk about taking a hit to make a play 😳
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 27, 2025
Nicolas Roy gets lit up by Aaron Ekblad but not before dishing it off to Tanner Pearson for the snipe pic.twitter.com/tltKXYqBBe
Despite dealing with injuries in recent years, Ekblad has been productive this season, posting 27 points in 51 games—already surpassing last year’s total.
He has embraced Paul Maurice’s defensive system, which initially required adjustments, but he believes in its effectiveness. “It took time, but I definitely believe in the system and what the coaches were teaching us,” Ekblad said.
While his leadership and experience remain valuable, if the Panthers don’t see him as part of their long-term plans, moving him now could bring a significant return rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
With RNH hounding him, Aaron Ekblad plays a perfect pass to Aleksander Barkov who blows past McDavid to set up the Florida Panthers first goal of the Stanley Cup Cup Finals by Verhaeghe.
— David (@David954FLA) September 9, 2024
If Ekblad holds onto that puck for a fraction of a second longer McDavid potentially steals… pic.twitter.com/1cgzbUqwCc
Trading Ekblad would leave a major hole on Florida’s top defensive pairing, but if a strong offer emerges, the Panthers may decide that adding key pieces elsewhere is worth the sacrifice.
His role in the franchise’s rise to contention is undeniable. After being drafted 1st overall by the Panthers in 2014, the 29-year-old has recorded 118 goals, 374 total points, and a +94 plus/minus rating across 727 games played.
A decade-long tenure in Florida could come to an unexpected end before the deadline.
Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
