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