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

[violaswallet]

There's no way they're trading Bennett, even if they don't plan to re-sign him, they're definitely getting one more run out of him while this core is in their prime. Similarly, Ek with Forsling works really well, Ek plays well within this system, and he's a RD which we don't have many of. He's also come in in the best shape he's been in many years. Even if you have a plan to replace him with someone next year, why trade him now? We have an excellent top pair with him. Add to that if you want, don't switcheroo with our top pair that has proven to work very well for two Cup runs. We are past the point of collecting draft picks. I'm not saying trade them all away, we need to focus on the future too, but if you're gonna go on a run, then go all in. In a couple years, all the core players will be over 30 except Chucky and Lundell.

There's no reason to trade Knight either unless they can really land a big fish at the deadline. He's trending towards being Bob's replacemenf in a couple years. He had a good year in the A, and has started this season well including preseason.

I agree with all you said, except for about Knight. If our window is say the next three years AND Knight can get us a top 4D, I'd make the deal. We can always re-up Bob.

 

[luiginb]

I'd be very surprised if Ekblad gets any less than 30 mil on his next contract

 

[Dread Clawz]

Are you feeling okay?

I guess you never really understood me, when you're rebuilding you should be collecting futures, and spending minimally on quality players. When you're coming out of your rebuild and taking the next step, then you should be spending those futures you've collected in order to maximize your chances of winning. Yes, from like 2010 to 2019 I was all in favor of hoarding futures because that's what our situation dictated. But if you look at my posts carefully from the last few years, I've been all in favor of parting with futures to improve our team.

Ekblad gets too much hate. I've been one of those.

His skating is what makes his mistakes so obvious and easy to see

Yup, and his detractors always gloss over all his positives.

 

[violaswallet]

Does the Theodore contract change anything for Ekblad?

 

[tmorton]

Does the Theodore contract change anything for Ekblad?

Not really, it shows that his closest comp just got 7 x 7.4. I figured 6 x 6-7 was probably what it would take. Theodore has had a bit more success and a bit more health so I'd say it's still about the same.

 

[I am not exposed]

Does the Theodore contract change anything for Ekblad?

Not for Ekblad.

But confirms Zito will balk at Ekblad's demands and send him packing!

 

[ShootIt]

If Ekblad wants to cash out, I don't blame him. However, with his luck with leg injuries and his skating never being the best, if he wants Theodore's terms, then adios.

 

[Chino Oscar]

At that price, we can keep him. Say what you will but PoMo has consistently given Ek the most ice time among skaters. He must see something that makes him comfortable doing so, lack of foot-speed and all. He can be solid when keeping his game simple. Now, if he is looking for the same salary or a slight bump, you have to let him go and let Zito use that money to work his magic.

 

[CanadianPantherFan]

Does the Theodore contract change anything for Ekblad?

Theodore is MUCH better player currently— he’s on Team Canada. Ekblad isn’t sniffing that roster

 

[Felidae]

At that price, we can keep him. Say what you will but PoMo has consistently given Ek the most ice time among skaters. He must see something that makes him comfortable doing so, lack of foot-speed and all. He can be solid when keeping his game simple. Now, if he is looking for the same salary or a slight bump, you have to let him go and let Zito use that money to work his magic.

That's only because it takes him the longest to go from one end of the rink to the other

 

[Desert Panther]

That's only because it takes him the longest to go from one end of the rink to the other

 

[IceManCat]

No Ekblad on the list

 

[ucanthanzalthetruth]

No Ekblad on the list

Noted forward, Aaron Ekblad



Ekblad 16th slowest in the league in top speed, 10th in speed burst

 

[FinlandPanther]

Noted forward, Aaron Ekblad



Ekblad 16th slowest in the league in top speed, 10th in speed burst

Holy f*** how slow are those other idiots.

 

[KW]

Ekblad is faster than Tkachuk? LOL of all LOLs. Cut Matthew’s salary right now.

 

[RogerRogerr]

Ekblad is faster than Tkachuk? LOL of all LOLs. Cut Matthew’s salary right now.

That video of Brady being told Matthew had a faster top speed than him is still gold.

 

[Panthers Propaganda]

Noted forward, Aaron Ekblad



Ekblad 16th slowest in the league in top speed, 10th in speed burst

Adam Fox much slower than I had ever imagined.

 

[Sticksandsun]

No, I don't want him back even at $5 million.
Who's going to replace him?
That's up to Zito and I trust him a ton.

 

[IceManCat]

Noted forward, Aaron Ekblad

Im starting to get old

 

[Dread Clawz]

What? If Ek keeps playing like this, signing him is a no-brainer...

 

[zeroG]

What? If Ek keeps playing like this, signing him is a no-brainer...

he looks healthy. you've been saying it. i said he was a different player the last couple of games of the final but now he's starting to feel it. his TOI is back up to around career average.

he's gonna have to take a team-friendly deal but assuming he does, i love to know who's a better value out there.

 

[Dread Clawz]

he looks healthy. you've been saying it. i said he was a different player the last couple of games of the final but now he's starting to feel it. his TOI is back up to around career average.

he's gonna have to take a team-friendly deal but assuming he does, i love to know who's a better value out there.

Exactly. Chychrun will want to cash in. So will Andersson in a year if you trade for him. Even Gavrikov, he leads Kings'D in toi and is having a great year. He'll be an expensive sign. Other than that, not much else out there.
I agree, Ek definitely looked different towards the end of the Final. He was great in game 7,; especially against McDavid.

 

[Sticksandsun]

Exactly. Chychrun will want to cash in. So will Andersson in a year if you trade for him. Even Gavrikov, he leads Kings'D in toi and is having a great year. He'll be an expensive sign. Other than that, not much else out there.
I agree, Ek definitely looked different towards the end of the Final. He was great in game 7,; especially against McDavid.

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.

 

[Sticksandsun]

Is it odd his offense looks better than his defense, should be the other way around?
But yes I will reaffirm I don't want him back.

 

[Gentle Man]

Is it odd his offense looks better than his defense, should be the other way around?
But yes I will reaffirm I don't want him back.

View attachment 939457

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