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?

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[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.