Would you take Ekblad back at a "hometown" discount (4-5 million AAV)

[Sticksandsun]

Look at that dip during Maurice's first year....which is understandable

And yeah, he started bad 2024-25. But have you seen him the last 3 games? He's been literally our best player lol and look at the results. Absolute blow outs

Yes he has been great for a couple games but people thinking he's taking $5 million or so are dreaming.
His foot speed will not age well in a top pair role and paying $6 million for a 2nd pairing guy seems silly?

I don't see how he takes less than 6.5 mil long term and would rather pay slightly more for Andersson level defenseman.

 

[Dread Clawz]

Rather pay Andersson though, even if it's at Ekblad's current caphit, he'd be #1 free agent add.
Him and Forsling could eat up 25 mins a game and both be locked up long term.

Possibly move Rodrigues to open up room and Samoskevich can fill his role offensively.

Do we even have the assets to get Andersson? That would completely drain our pipeline.

 

[Sticksandsun]

Do we even have the assets to get Andersson? That would completely drain our pipeline.

More hoping he would go to free agency (long shot) but we would have a spot for him if Zito doesn't extend Ekblad, a team with Cup window and the Florida lifestyle.

Tkachuk knows him as well?