NHL Free Agent News: Shocking Gap Revealed in Aaron Ekblad Talks with Panthers

Although they're currently a little busy at the moment with a little thing called the Stanley Cup Finals, when their work on the ice is done, the Florida Panthers will have some serious business to get down to in the boardroom. Three pretty crucial pending unrestricted free agents are looking for a new contract, in Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad.

Insider David Pagnotta said on NHL Network Thursday night, that the most likely of the three to head to free agency, for certain, is Ekblad. Pagnotta revealed the shocking gap in the numbers being discussed by the two sides.

It certainly sounds like Aaron Ekblad is going to test the market. They've had conversations with him going back to last offseason, to try to see if they can lock him in... (But) They want him to take less than he's making now, he's at a $7.5 AAV, and they want him in the $6s... I don't blame him, he could cash in on a bigger deal probably somewhere else.

Will Aaron Ekblad be on the move as a free agent?

A 29-year-old top-pair, two-way defenseman with one (and potentially two) Stanley Cup rings being asked to take a pay cut as a free agent? Not very likely, despite his openly stating his love for the situation in Florida, and his desire to stay.

With a combination of shutdown abilities in the defensive end, offensive capabilities (he has 12 points in 17 playoff games this spring), leadership and key contributions to their 2024 Stanley Cup victory as well as the current 2025 run, Ekblad will certainly be in demand on the open market.

AFP Analytics projected Ekblad to be able to command a seven-year, $7.8M AAV on his next contract.