As the Florida Panthers prepare for the 2024-25 NHL season, they do so as first-time Stanley Cup Champions, aiming to secure back-to-back titles. The last team to achieve this was their in-state rival, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A significant contributor to the Panthers’ championship run was defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who was the first overall pick in the 2014 draft and won the Calder Trophy in the 2014-15 season. This year marks the final season of his eight-year contract, which pays him $7.5 million annually. This has led to speculation about a potential trade involving Ekblad. However, it’s unlikely that he will be moved out of South Florida this season.
Ekblad’s $7.5 million salary might seem substantial, but when compared to other top NHL defensemen, it’s relatively modest. For instance, Chicago Blackhawks’ Seth Jones earns $9.5 million per year, while Edmonton Oilers’ Darnell Nurse makes $9.25 million annually. Despite Ekblad’s contract being almost $2 million less than these players, he does not rank among the top 25 highest-paid defensemen in the league.
Nevertheless, Ekblad’s deal remains a significant financial commitment. His contract is just $80,000 short of entering the top 25 in terms of salary. This makes it challenging for many teams to accommodate his contract. Even though it is cheaper compared to some elite defensemen, it still represents a considerable amount on a team’s payroll.
Should Ekblad be traded, it’s likely that he would be viewed as a short-term acquisition rather than a long-term investment. With his contributions over the past seasons, including a championship, he might command a higher salary in next year’s free agency. Teams might not have the financial flexibility to offer him a substantial raise given his current contract.
Teams with cap space, such as the Detroit Red Wings or the Columbus Blue Jackets, might hesitate to offer a long-term extension to Ekblad. If he is traded, it’s probable he will play for multiple teams throughout his career.
Acquiring Ekblad might also come at a high price. The Panthers lack first-, second-, and third-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, which could lead them to ask for significant compensation in any trade deal. Given Ekblad’s injury history and the hefty salary, negotiating a trade might be complex.
For now, Ekblad remains a crucial part of the Panthers’ lineup. While a trade is not anticipated at this moment due to the high salary and demanding asking price, the unpredictable nature of the NHL means a surprising move could occur at any time.
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