Speculation: Where does Ekblad sign as a free agent?

[BKarchitect]

I dont see it that way at all. Florida had to let Montour go without a real replacement. The cap got announced to go way up, and they went out and got Jones. They realized they're a much better team when they have 3 top pairing D instead of 2.

Jones was a Montour replacement. If Ekblad goes, they'll be looking for another top pairing D.

I think it was both. Belated Montour replacement and hedge against having to pay Ekblad through the nose because otherwise they’d be sunk at RHD.

I think Jones’ play in the playoffs combined with Mikkola’s continued ascendancy means even if Ekblad leaves, Florida is still going to have a rockin’ top 3 guys. They’d definitely need to plug a hole with a quality RHD but I don’t think they are going to pay Ekblad what other teams will on the market. So it’ll depend on just how team friendly Ekblad wants to be.

 

[zenator]

San Jose Sharks

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

He will be somewhere sunny and hot and has a beach and the ocean. Somewhere in Cali if it doesn’t work out in Florida again.

 

[tmlfan98]

I think he either re-signs with Florida, or signs with Detroit. Close to home, and he was a big Red Wings and Nick Lidstrom fan growing up. He wears #5 because of him.

 

[Bobby Ryan Getzlaf]

The AVS could sign ekblad July 1, then trade Makar for a haul and not have to pay him 15 mil per

So you suggest the Avs replace the top dman in hockey with him, but in your post right before that, you say this…

Yeah I’ve seen this movie plenty of times, some team is gonna load up the brinks truck and will regret it. They will be paying for past performance.

 

[Djp]

So you suggest the Avs replace the top dman in hockey with him, but in your post right before that, you say this…

I get what he is saying

Thry sign him st a not to crazy smount

Then trade Nakar and get a haul yhst would include younger players on the cheap

 

[JKG33]

I think it was both. Belated Montour replacement and hedge against having to pay Ekblad through the nose because otherwise they’d be sunk at RHD.

I think Jones’ play in the playoffs combined with Mikkola’s continued ascendancy means even if Ekblad leaves, Florida is still going to have a rockin’ top 3 guys. They’d definitely need to plug a hole with a quality RHD but I don’t think they are going to pay Ekblad what other teams will on the market. So it’ll depend on just how team friendly Ekblad wants to be.

I like Mikkola, he's a great middle pairing D. But he's not in that top pairing realm of Forsling/Ekblad/Montour/Jones. They'll already have to replace Schmidt who was far better than a typical #5.

If Ekblad goes then Burns would be a good stopgap on the middle pair for a year, but failing that its going to be a difficult hole to fill

 

[Bobby Ryan Getzlaf]

I get what he is saying

Thry sign him st a not to crazy smount

Then trade Nakar and get a haul yhst would include younger players on the cheap

Sure, I could understand the point you’re mentioning. However, why would he say a team will regret signing him and then go on to suggest a top team trade a top dman and replace him with the very dman he just said will turn into regret for the team signing him.

 

[Nikishin al Gaib]

Outside of staying in Florida, I think the best fit for him is probably signing with Carolina to pair with Slavin. Those two would probably be considered the best defensive pair in hockey if it happened.

But I get the impression he wants to go to Cali

 

[Ivan Friggin Drago]

Detroit

 

[shaner8989]

Gotta be careful with him. Playing with that team who is told to hold up forecheckers makes the game so easy for Florida D. There’s a reason why Florida D man look so good.

 

[BHawk21]

Ducks makes too much sense. Good friends with Trouba. Played for Q before. Young LD to pair him with. Money to spend and team on the rise.


LaCombe-Ekblad
Mintyukov-Gudas
Zelleweger-Trouba

 

[KrisLetAngry]

I feel like San Jose or Anaheim will throw money his way.

I still have Florida as the favorites.

 

[webagent]

Outside of staying in Florida, I think the best fit for him is probably signing with Carolina to pair with Slavin. Those two would probably be considered the best defensive pair in hockey if it happened.

But I get the impression he wants to go to Cali

Don't really see it, Carolina doesn't hand out massive contracts with term. Maybe they'd give him the Orlov deal with more AAV, but I can't see Ekblad going for that. I'd imagine that if he wants to take a discount then he'll stay in Florida.

 

[JKG33]

Ducks makes too much sense. Good friends with Trouba. Played for Q before. Young LD to pair him with. Money to spend and team on the rise.


LaCombe-Ekblad
Mintyukov-Gudas
Zelleweger-Trouba

That would be such a studly defence. Each pair has a flashy young buck paired with a grizzled vet.

 

[missionAvs]

The AVS could sign ekblad July 1, then trade Makar for a haul and not have to pay him 15 mil per

The Oilers could sign Sam Bennett on July 1, then trade Drai for a haul and not have to pay him 14 mil per.

 

[Malkinstheman]

I think Anaheim is about to give him an absolutely stupid contract

 

[TotalHomer]

I think Anaheim is about to give him an absolutely stupid contract

8M x 7.

Not terrible the first few years but after that it's going to be rough.

 

[Esq]

Gotta be careful with him. Playing with that team who is told to hold up forecheckers makes the game so easy for Florida D. There’s a reason why Florida D man look so good.

I've never seen a team so good at interference.

 

[cheesymc]

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!

 

[ShootIt]

Definitely could see Anaheim too.
If so, thanks for the play and enjoy California.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Florida or Anaheim. I'm not confident Yzerman gets anything done this offseason.

 

[Canovin]

The thing about Ekblad new deal is it has the potential to be LTIR

 

[popo]

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.

 

[Dread Clawz]

I don't agree that his speech at the parade sounded like a goodbye speech. It was more like he was grateful for ownership and management believing in him all these years, and wants to stay and keep it going. He sounds like he expects to stay a Panther.