Welcome to NHL Rumours! The Stanley Cup Final continues with Game 2 Friday night. While both teams look to continue their quest for the Stanley Cup, our rumour looks at a member of the Eastern Conference Champion Florida Panthers. A core member of their team, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer, hopes to remain with the Panthers.
NHL Rumours
Aaron Ekblad Wants to Stay in Florida
Rumour: Michael Russo of The Athletic reports that defenceman Aaron Ekblad hopes to re-sign with the Panthers this summer. The 11-year veteran stated, “I live and breathe for the Panthers.”
Pending UFA Aaron Ekblad hopes to re-sign: ‘I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers’
My piece https://t.co/Ekk3RqYtv7
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 6, 2025
Analysis: Ekblad was the first-overall pick in 2014. Since making his NHL debut, Ekblad has consistently been in the Panthers lineup. He won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in the 2014-15 season. Ekblad helped the Panthers win the President’s Trophy in the 2021-22 season. Furthermore, he helped the Panthers reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2023 and again in 2024, where the Panthers won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. In 2025, Ekblad helped the Panthers again reach the Final.
The Panthers roster has changed a lot over the years. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was signed, Matthew Tkachuk was acquired via trade, and many other moves have been made. Yet, Ekblad has been a mainstay with the Panthers. It makes sense that he would want to stay with the Panthers. Likewise, Panther fans would love to see him re-sign.
Does Ekblad Fit in the Cap?
Despite Ekblad wanting to return to the Panthers, it will be hard to make work due to the salary cap. Ekblad’s current contract had a cap hit of $7.5 million. At 29-years old, Ekblad is still in the prime of his career and has many great seasons left. It is not out of the question that Ekblad’s next contract may exceed $7.5 million.
The Panthers also have multiple defenceman with long-term contracts on the roster. Gustav Forsling is signed through the 2031-32 season. In addition, Seth Jones, acquired by the Panthers at the trade deadline, is signed through the 2029-30 season. Furthermore, the Panthers have multiple forwards under long-term contracts as well.
Panthers Likely Have to Choose
In addition to Ekblad, there are other players who will be unrestricted free agents this summer. Aside from Ekblad, the biggest name on that list is Sam Bennett, who could be on his way to the Conn Smythe Trophy. Sadly, this is not one of the NHL video games where you can turn off the salary cap and sign whoever you want to however much you wish. The Panthers cannot keep both Bennett and Ekblad and will have to choose which one to pursue.
Bennett’s name has already emerged in some rumours. Furthermore, he is in the middle of a strong postseason and is a little younger than Ekblad. Bennett may have so many suitors that his price will rise too high for the Panthers. Ekblad will certainly have his suitors as well, but he may be more manageable than Bennett.
Regardless, the biggest obstacle that could prevent from Ekblad from re-signing is the amount of defenceman signed long-term. When Jones was acquired, some took that as a sign that Ekblad would not be returning.
Discount, Perhaps?
Ekblad can help his chances of remaining a Panther if he elects to take less money. Ekblad has not indicated one way or another that he would do this, but it is an option for someone committed to being a Panther.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel
The post NHL Rumours: Stanley Cup-Winning Defenceman Hopes to Stay Put appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.