Florida Panthers shopping top defender just days after winning the Stanley Cup

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Josh Tupper
June 28, 2024 (9:22)

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The Florida Panthers, who just won their first Stanley Cup, are supposedly shopping one of their best players.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period revealed on Thursday night that the 2014 first overall pick Aaron Ekblad is being courted by the Florida Panthers this summer. It was a bit of a bombshell.

Pagnotta continued, saying that since Ekblad is scheduled to play his final season in 2024�2025, the Panthers had already discussed his availability with a few teams.

According to multiple well-placed sources, the Panthers are shopping 2014 first-overall pick Aaron Ekblad, who is entering the final year of his contract, and have already had discussions with some teams about his availability." Pagnotta said.

While the Panthers may be shopping the blueliner, Pagnotta says that Ekblad's preference is to remain in South Florida with the Panthers and sign a contract extension, which he's eligible to do as early as Canada Day.

"It is my understanding his preference is to stay in South Florida and that he would be willing to take a «hometown discount» on an extension, but that hasn't prevented Panthers GM Bill Zito from exploring the trade market." Pagnotta said.

Despite some injuries in recent years, 28-year-old Ekblad has established himself as a reliable top-pairing defenseman over his NHL career, having made his debut ten years ago. This year, in 51 games during the regular season, Ekblad finished with 18 points (four goals, 14 assists), 50 penalty minutes, and a plus-27 rating. In the remaining 22 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he added six more points.

Moving Ekblad, who is expected to make $7.5 million in the upcoming season, would be a major undertaking for Panthers General Manager Bill Zito, but it might provide a sizable return for Florida.

Source: David Pagnotta/The Fourth Period
EKBLAD ON THE BLOCK AS PANTHERS SHOP BLUELINER