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?

 

[Dread Clawz]

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?

Yeah but we'd have a hole on D for one year.

 

[Sticksandsun]

Yeah but we'd have a hole on D for one year.

You right, thought he was UFA this year.
Who's our 2nd best F prospect then?
Consider 2026 1st gone as well.

 

[Dread Clawz]

You right, thought he was UFA this year.
Who's our 2nd best F prospect then?
Consider 2026 1st gone as well.

St. Martin or Sawchyn. That plus a 1st is a lot to give up. I'd rather go other avenues if we canm

 

[Sticksandsun]

St. Martin or Sawchyn. That plus a 1st is a lot to give up. I'd rather go other avenues if we canm

For a 40-50 point, top pair defenseman?
Not sure I agree.

 

[zeroG]

For a 40-50 point, top pair defenseman?
Not sure I agree.

news flash - ek is on pace for 44 points and is a top pair Dman. and this isn't a great season for him production-wise.

he will also certainly sign for (potentially a lot) cheaper than a top FA.

 

[Sticksandsun]

news flash - ek is on pace for 44 points and is a top pair Dman. and this isn't a great season for him production-wise.

he will also certainly sign for (potentially a lot) cheaper than a top FA.

"Pace", let's see what he finishes with.
Very odd the Ekblad defenders now, he was almost as big of a scapegoat as Yandle was just last year

 

[Dread Clawz]

For a 40-50 point, top pair defenseman?
Not sure I agree.

Not saying he's not worth it, but rather we don't have the assets to give up .