Panthers star defenceman heading to free agency will interest Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: Micheal LoRe
Recently, the Chicago Blackhawks sent shockwaves down the NHL by trading superstar defenceman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers. That said, Jones' acquisition has major implications for Panthers blue-liner Aaron Ekblad, and analysts around the league are predicting that his days in Sunrise are numbered.
The Edmonton Oilers are no stranger to Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad.
Following a devastating loss to the Florida Panthers in last season's game 7 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are very familiar with his all-star defensive capabilities.
While Seth Jones' acquisition is dominating headlines, Aaron Ekblad's future with the Panthers now hangs in the balance.
Aaron Ekblad could interest the Edmonton Oilers
It's no secret that the Edmonton Oilers have been in the market to acquire a right-hand shot defenceman since the debut of the 2024-25 campaign.
Although Aaron Ekblad is locked in with the Panthers for the rest of the season, fans around the league are already looking ahead to the NHL offseason.
According to Puckpedia, Ekblad's 8 year deal expires at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Now that the Florida Panthers have taken on Jones' hefty $76,000,000 contract through the 2029-20 season, analysts are predicting that Ekblad will hit free agency.
This presents an incredible opportunity for the Edmonton Oilers to land a top-4 talent.
Aaron Ekblad has former ties to Connor McDavid
The rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers has only grown over time, however, superstar captain Connor McDavid and Aaron Ekblad go way back and have a well-documented friendship off the ice.
Both players held expectational player status in the OHL, and their close friendship is well known.
Given that, it's pretty safe to assume that the idea of playing alongside his good buddy Connor McDavid would be incredibly appealing.
Regardless, the Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for what should be an entertaining off-season, and it should be interesting to see where Aaron Ekblad ends up.
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