Speculation: Will Aaron Ekblad be extended by Florida?

[WarriorofTime]

It appears based on ATOI that Aaron Ekblad ('96 born RHD) has re-won the Number 1 Defenseman job for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Ekblad will be 29 years old this Summer. Florida has four defensemen under contract for next year.

Gustav Forsling - 7 years remaining at $5.75 million AAV
Niko Mikkola - 1 year remaining at $2.25 million AAV
Dmitry Kulikov - 3 years remaining at $1.15 million AAV
Uvis Balinskis - 1 year remaining at $0.850 million AAV

Where do the Panthers and their former 1st overall selection stand in terms of a potential contract extension?

Click to read more...

 

[BB88]

No, should have been traded like Huberdeau

But I guess they will now that they kept him, you just don’t want to give him a massive contract through his 30’s. Seabrook in the making

 

[UnSandvich]

Fairly likely I'd say. Only other big FA for them is Bennett, and they're looking at 15.5 in open cap space

 

[TotalHomer]

Depends what Ekblad wants. He isn't getting more than Forsling in Florida.

 

[VeteranPresence]

Thinking he is traded, it's not Florida's style to sink money into past performance unless it's a screaming deal. Ekblad probably looks to chase the bag though given it could be his last big contract what with his injury history, which you can't hold against him.

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

He should take the discount considering he's been there his career and seems to love Florida. Otherwise if he takes the money I see him going elsewhere.

 

[Dabeast]

I hope so man. By far the most overly disrespected player in this league. You wouldn't think it would be possible for the big 1RD from Ontario who just won a cup to be slandered nearly as much as he is,

The two leg injuries as well as the change in system under Maurice have lead to him being much less of an offensively oriented dman, but he's still very strong defensively. It really just comes down to the financials, as with Bennett, but it would feel wrong for him to leave. He's one long term extension away from #5 being in the rafters when he retires.