Florida Panthers star defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been at the center of trade rumors ever since the team clinched its first Stanley Cup title and with his upcoming free agency looming—he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. Despite the swirling speculation about his future, it appears Ekblad will remain with the Panthers for the 2024-25 season, according to Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News.
Richardson noted on August 23 that with the offseason departure of Brandon Montour, Ekblad is likely to take on top-pairing duties on the right side of the Panthers’ defense. “Trading him now would further deplete their right-side depth,” Richardson explained, suggesting that Ekblad will be a key part of the defending champions’ roster this season.
Although Ekblad’s name has been frequently mentioned in trade discussions since June, Richardson believes the 28-year-old will stay in Florida through at least the end of the season. Ekblad is entering the final year of an eight-year, $60 million contract signed in July 2016, which carries a $7.5 million cap hit for the upcoming season. His contract also includes a modified no-trade clause, allowing him to block trades to 12 teams before the trade deadline.
The Panthers’ commitment to keeping their championship-winning roster intact makes an in-season trade of Ekblad unlikely. However, the possibility of a trade before next summer remains on the table, particularly if the Panthers wish to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency or if concerns about his health arise.
Ekblad has battled injuries in recent years, including last season when he played in just 51 games. Notably, he has not completed a full 82-game season since the 2018-19 campaign.
As the season unfolds, the Panthers will need to weigh their options carefully, balancing their desire to make another championship run with the potential long-term implications of Ekblad’s future with the team.
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