Aaron Ekblad was one of the top UFA defenseman entering this offseason with many teams expecting he would be available. However, Ekblad took a discount to remain with the team that drafted him 1st overall in 2014 and has won back to back Stanley Cups with.
One of those teams that was aggressively pursuing Ekblad’s services was the Detroit Red Wings via James Mirtle. Ekblad could have reportedly made significantly more money in Detroit than the $6.1 million for 8 years he accepted in Florida. Its unknown exactly what that presented deal looked like, but considering the Red Wings have over $12 million in cap space an AAV around the $8 million range is a fair guess.
Adding Ekblad to the Wings D core would have solved Detroit’s main issue lacking another true top 4 defenseman in the stable to compliment Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson. They will have to look elsewhere in order to bolster their D core if they wish to seriously push for a return to the playoffs this upcoming season.
The fact Ekblad choose to remain in Florida shows his loyalty to the Panthers and how important he is not only as a stable presence on the Cats blueline but as a leader in the room. Winning was a greater priority to Ekblad than money when it came down to contract discussions. Why would he leave a team he has fit in comfortably with and achieved so much success throughout his NHL career? It is also a testament to Florida management that they were able to keep not only Ekblad on a discount, but Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett as well.
Ekblad will look to continue adding to his track record in Florida next season and beyond as the 11 year vet has scored 118 goals and added 262 assists for 380 points in 732 regular season games thus far during his tenure. In his playoff career, he has tallied 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 83 games.
