Speculation: Where does Ekblad sign as a free agent?

[McShogun99]

After the frugal Ducks traded Zegras for peanuts, my guess is Ekblad is heading to Anaheim to get his retirement contract. Expect a huge overpayment of 7 years x 11 million, or even more. He’s probably going to miss over 20+ games a season and retire before his contract ends too. The ducks Hamilton/Rendon special! Congrats to us!

What's the take home pay in California for 11 million? He might get more value by signing 8 years in Florida at 8 million.

 

[Dread Clawz]

Unless they can get creative and players take big discounts, I can't see how Florida can keep more than one of their big three free agents:
Ekblad, Bennett, Marchand.

I expect Florida resigns Bennett and makes do without the rest.

They can keep all 3 easily. Bennett at 8, Ek at 6.5, Marchand at 5 with bonuses. All other UFAs get minimum, except Samoskevich who gets 1.5. 21 man roster.

Verhaeghe- Barkov -Reinhart
Samoskevich- Bennett-Tkachuk
Luostarinen -Lundell -Marchand
Greer- Nosek- Gadjovich
Boqvist

Forsling-Ekblad
Mikkola -Jones
Balinskis -Kulikov
Megna

Bob
Vanecek

 

[cheesymc]

What's the take home pay in California for 11 million? He might get more value by signing 8 years in Florida at 8 million.

My guess around 5.83 from 11 in California vs 5.2 from 8 in Florida

 

[McShogun99]

My guess around 5.83 from 11 in California vs 5.2 from 8 in Florida

Just sign to stay in Florida if the numbers are that close. Even with the obvious factors as quality of living in Miami, being on a team that's going to be a contender for at least another 4 years while also being the team he spent his career with.

 

[cheesymc]

Just sign to stay in Florida if the numbers are that close. Even with the obvious factors as quality of living in Miami, being on a team that's going to be a contender for at least another 4 years while also being the team he spent his career with.

Fine... Verbeek will regret to make him the highest paid defensemen at 12.1 M a year...

 

[MCB]

I feel like Anaheim is definitely going to try, but then strike out like we did last year in free agency and be left with scraps and a ton of cap space.

 

[IdleTraveller]

I don't know the guy obviously but Ekblad strikes me as a golden retriever type: dumb as bricks but makes up for it by being cute, energetic and loyal. From what he's said about Florida, I think he really wants to stay, and prizes term and security over AAV. So I could see him sign a deal similar to Forslings: low AAV - maybe in the 6m range - but 8 yrs with a NMC. However, I'm not sure if Florida would want that deal given his probable longevity.

 

[dj Mahoney]

Detroit 7 X 5 yrs

 

[Canovin]

This could look really good for the Leafs:

Ekblad at 8M
Evander at 5.125M
Knies at 9M
Tavares at 6M

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

I'd take the discount if I was him. Looks like he made Florida home.

 

[CanMerc]

Likely stays in FLA, but I’d love the Jets to get him

 

[Clint Eastwood]

I really feel like he goes to Nashville.

 

[cheesymc]

I feel like Anaheim is definitely going to try, but then strike out like we did last year in free agency and be left with scraps and a ton of cap space.

Very likely with Verbeeks charming personality. Compound that he will overpay for scraps and give up picks to acquire bad contracts just to hit the cap floor and pitch to fans that the Ducks roster is ready for the playoffs.

 

[mfilipo3]

I hope he ends up as a Hab. Solidify the Right side for the next few years while they have their window to make a run for it. Start off on the top pairing and as he gets older and Reinbacher develops those 2 swap roles

 

[Stuzchuk]

with the Zegras move, I wouldnt be surprise one bit to see Anaheim throw a boatload of money to Ekblad & Marner

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

I think Zitto signs him to a another sweetheart deal like Forsling did. Ekblad loves it in Florida and is very close to the boys.