Panthers asking price for Aaron Ekblad revealed

This past season, Ekblad won the Stanley Cup, although his offseason has been stressful due to some trade rumors. He is entering the final year of his eight-year deal that pays him $7.5 million per year, and as you can imagine, some believe that Florida Panthers should make some sort of move.

Well, according to Joey Ganzi of The Hockey Writers, that simply wouldn't make a whole lot of sense. Mostly, because only eight teams in the league can afford him right now. Moreover, he would likely only be a rental who would re-sign elsewhere in the offseason.

As for the asking price on Ekblad, teams would have to give up multiple high draft picks. From first-rounders to second-rounders, and maybe even a third-rounder as a sweetener, teams would have to give up all of it. After all, the Panthers are lacking draft capital, and they would want to make a bunch of it back.

For now, expect Ekblad to start the season with the Panthers. In fact, expect him to end the season with them as well. Who knows? They could very well go and win back-to-back cups. It would be a great way to end his contract.

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Source: The Hockey Writers
Panthers Unlikely to Trade Aaron Ekblad This Season Despite Rumors