Elliotte Friedman Claims Aaron Ekblad's Decision Could 'Change Everything'

Ekblad has spent his full 11-year career with the Panthers after Florida drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft. He has appeared in 732 regular-season games, scoring 380 points. The blueliner has also appeared in 83 postseason games, scoring 33 points.

Friedman pointed to Ekblad's last contract, the one he just completed, as one that already changed the free-agent landscape once for defensemen.

“Don't forget, when Ekblad signed his last deal, it was very controversial among other teams because it was such a big deal,” Friedman said. “It changed—his deal changed the trajectory of contracts for defensemen and players coming out of their (entry-level deals).”

The 29-year-old has expressed a desire to stay in Florida, but Friedman said remaining with the Panthers would likely mean leaving money on the table.

"That was an industry-changing contract back when he signed it, and he got more than expected back then," Friedman said. "He would have to leave money on the table now, but if he takes it, he really changes the market.

“If he stays, that’s great for a guy like Provorov. But if you’re a team looking for a defenseman, his decision could tighten the market significantly. It could change everything.”