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Panthers' Aaron Ekblad Emerges as 'Shocking' Trade Deadline Candidate: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Treppedi | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 5:26 PM ET

The NHL Trade Deadline is approaching on March 7 and teams are evaluating assets that raise questions in the long term.

According to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, Aaron Ekblad is that asset for the Florida Panthers.

Ekblad is playing on an expiring contract with 26 points through 56 games in 2024-25.

Wyshynski reports that the Panthers put out feelers last summer on Ekblad, who was the first-overall pick of the 2014 NHL Draft and helped the franchise hoist its first-ever Stanley Cup last June.

"There was a report last summer that the Panthers were "shopping" Ekblad ahead of his contract year, but he's on the record as wanting to remain in Florida," Wyshynski writes . "He also told the Miami Herald that he's not worried about the timing of a contract extension given how [Bill] Zito waited in the past to get deals done with players such as Sam Reinhart."

Since winning that Cup, the Panthers said goodbye to the likes of Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on the backend. However, they remain a top contender to go back-to-back in 2025.

"It's hard to imagine Ekblad moving on before the offseason, as the Panthers' blue line is thin offensively, and they have designs on a third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final. But that's an aggressive front office," Wyshynski adds.

Zito and he Panthers' front office have a reputation for executing aggressive moves, so even though dealing Ekblad could be against their best interests in keeping their blue line secure for the playoffs, he's in play for a potential blockbuster shake-up.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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