Ben Chiarot #8 of the Detroit Red Wings
As the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers are basking in the glory of their recent triumph. However, the offseason has brought a flurry of trade rumors surrounding one of their key players, Aaron Ekblad. The 28-year-old defenseman, who was drafted first overall by the Panthers in 2014, is entering the final year of his eight-year, $60 million contract. This has sparked speculation about his future in Florida and potential trade scenarios.
One particularly intriguing proposal has emerged from PuckPedia’s new tool, PuckGM. According to this scenario, the Detroit Red Wings would acquire Ekblad in a blockbuster trade, sending defenseman Ben Chiarot and a 2026 second-round pick to the Panthers.
Breaking Down the Trade
On the surface, the return for Ekblad might appear modest. Chiarot, who has two years remaining on his deal and a $2.7 million lower cap hit compared to Ekblad, would provide immediate cost savings for the Panthers. This extra cap space could enable Florida to bolster their roster further, making their team deeper for the upcoming season. Chiarot, who notched 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 77 games last season with the Red Wings, would help fill the void left by Ekblad’s departure and maintain the Panthers’ defensive solidity.
In addition to Chiarot, the Panthers would receive a 2026 second-round pick, a valuable asset that could be used in future trades or kept to enhance their draft pool.
The Impact on the Red Wings
For the Red Wings, acquiring Ekblad would significantly strengthen their defensive core. Ekblad, with 1 goal and 14 assists for 18 points in 51 games last season, is among the top defensemen in the NHL. The addition of Ekblad would provide Detroit with a formidable pairing on the right side, complementing Moritz Seider and potentially creating one of the strongest defensive duos in the league.
Trade Rumors and Insider Insights
The notion of Ekblad being available for trade has gained traction, with NHL insider David Pagnotta noting the defenseman as a potential trade candidate. According to Pagnotta, “The Panthers are shopping 2014 first-overall pick Aaron Ekblad, who is entering the final year of his contract, and have already had discussions with some teams about his availability.” Ekblad’s full no-movement clause is set to transition to a 12-team no-trade list on July 1, adding a layer of complexity to any potential deal.
Red Wings’ RFA Situation
Despite a productive offseason that included signings of Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko, the Red Wings still face the challenge of signing two key restricted free agents: Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. General Manager Steve Yzerman has expressed openness to both long-term and short-term contracts for these players, emphasizing the need for balanced deals that benefit both the team and the players.
Yzerman highlighted the intricacies involved in such negotiations, stating, “The term and the dollar amount has got to work for both parties, and that can be a challenge at times.” The Red Wings are navigating these negotiations while also exploring potential trades that could further impact their roster.
Conclusion
As the NHL offseason progresses, the speculation surrounding Aaron Ekblad continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. A potential trade involving Ekblad could reshape both the Panthers and the Red Wings, with significant implications for their respective futures. While the proposed deal involving Ekblad and Chiarot remains hypothetical, it underscores the dynamic nature of NHL roster management and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for both teams.
