Free Agent Targets: Aaron Ekblad would be a significant upgrade to the Flames’ defence core

Defence is one of the Calgary Flames’ biggest needs heading into the 2025-26 season.

It seems like Rasmus Andersson will be on the move sooner rather than later, which will leave a gaping hole in the Flames’ defence core. Zayne Parekh is expected to make the team’s roster in 2025-26, but they’ll have to add a significant player if they wish to contend for a post-season spot.

Well, enter Aaron Ekblad. This is Free Agent Targets, where we look at players the Flames could target when free agency opens on July 1. Last time, we looked at Mikael Granlund.

Aaron Ekblad’s stats

Ekblad was selected first overall in the 2014 draft by the Florida Panthers and has spent his entire career with them. Before their back-to-back Stanley Cups, Ekblad was a consistent double-digit goal scorer who had put up as many as 57 points, but averaged in the high 30s.

His scoring touch took a hit in 2023-24, as he played just 51 games, scoring four goals and 18 points in 51 games. He scored fewer goals in more games, three and 56 to be exact, but reached the 30-point plateau again with 33 points.

The right-shot defenceman has been to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, playing 63 games where he has seven goals and 27 points.

Aaron Ekblad’s contract outlook

While Ekblad wants to remain in Sunrise, Florida, and the Panthers likely want to keep him, he may be a little bit too pricey for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. Per AFPAnalytics, Ekblad is projected to earn a seven-year deal worth $7.8 million annually. 

The Panthers only have $11 million in cap space, which means Ekblad can fit, but they also want to re-sign Brad Marchand, making Ekblad’s situation complicated. As for the Flames, they have $19.2 million in cap space and only need to sign Connor Zary and Morgan Frost, two restricted free agents. They’d have plenty to spare for Ekblad’s services, but is he worth it?

Is Aaron Ekblad a fit for the Flames

The Flames may decide to keep Andersson until the trade deadline, which presents some risks as his play could suffer heading into it. They’d be wise to move him as soon as possible. One replacement for him could be Ekblad, as both are right-shot defencemen.

Assuming top prospect Parekh plays for the Flames next season, he and Ekblad can be the top two right-shot defenceman. MacKenzie Weegar would move to the left side, something he’s comfortable with. To round out the top four, Kevin Bahl can play on the second pairing with Parekh.

It’s easier said than done, though. Getting Ekblad to sign in Calgary would require the Flames to convince him to leave the reigning Stanley Cup champions, a team’s location that has nice weather year-round and doesn’t have state tax. Money talks though, and landing Ekblad would put the Flames in contention to make the post-season.