On Thursday night, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period dropped a bit of a bombshell, saying that the Florida Panthers are shopping 2014 first overall pick Aaron Ekblad this summer.
While the Panthers may be shopping the blueliner, Pagnotta says that Ekblad's preference is to remain in South Florida with the Panthers and sign a contract extension, which he's eligible to do as early as Canada Day.
Ekblad, 28, has dealt with some injuries over the last number of years, but has still been a solid top-pairing defenceman over the course of his NHL career since making his debut ten years ago. In 51 regular season games this year, Ekblad had 18 points (four goals, 14 assists), 50 penalty minutes and was a plus-27. He went on to add six points in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Moving Ekblad, who is set to earn $7.5 million next season, would be a big task for Panthers General Manager Bill Zito, but it could fetch Florida a pretty significant return.
