The NHL offseason rumor mill is heating up, and one name is quickly becoming the center of attention: Aaron Ekblad. With free agency approaching, multiple teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, are reportedly preparing to pursue the veteran defenseman if he becomes available.
Could Aaron Ekblad Be the Most Coveted Defenseman on the 2025 Free Agent Market?
The former No. 1 overall pick and Stanley Cup champion could become one of the summer’s most significant free agent additions if he parts ways with the Florida Panthers.
Ekblad, 29, has been a cornerstone of the Panthers’ defense since being drafted at the top of the 2014 NHL Draft. He’s played over 700 NHL games and recorded over 380 points, proving himself as a defensive anchor and an offensive contributor from the blue line.
But with the Panthers’ cap sheet tightening and Ekblad reportedly seeking a long-term deal worth around $7.8 million AAV (average annual value) — possibly totaling $60 million over seven years — the team may not be able to meet his contract demands. That opens the door for contenders and rising teams alike to make a play for his services.
“The money still hasn’t changed. They want him to take less than he is making now — he is at $7.5 [million] on an AAV — they want him somewhere in the [$6-7 million range],” Pagnotta said.
Several teams could pull off this move. The Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers could be considered candidates to pursue Ekblad in a win-now move.
The Red Wings are coming off another frustrating season. They missed the playoffs and exposed serious defensive flaws, especially on the penalty kill, which ranked last in the NHL.
If they fail to land marquee forward Mitch Marner, shifting their focus to Ekblad makes perfect sense. Not only does Ekblad bring veteran experience and playoff pedigree, but he also fills a major need on the Red Wings’ blue line. The Wings lack a true No. 1 defenseman who can play heavy minutes, lead the power play, and shut down top opponents. Ekblad checks all of those boxes.
🚨 The Maple Leafs (Oilers, Red Wings) are among the teams expected to have interest in Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad if he hits free agency this summer.
The 29-year-old (1x Cup Champion) has recorded 380 points in 732 career games with Florida since being selected first… pic.twitter.com/v1T0F05sdH
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) June 14, 2025
Additionally, the team needs help cutting off passes in the slot and neutralizing scoring chances, areas where Ekblad thrives. If general manager Steve Yzerman is serious about ending the team’s playoff drought, signing a top-tier defenseman like Ekblad could be the game-changing move the franchise needs.
The Maple Leafs are always looking for defensive reinforcements to help balance their offensively gifted roster, and Pagnotta linked the two together.
“The Maple Leafs come to mind, a right-handed shooting defenseman that can play in these types of games. He’s not as fast as he maybe once was but could be a valuable asset,” Pagnotta said.
Even if Ekblad doesn’t land in Alberta, Canada, this summer, the team could explore ways to fit him in depending on how their current roster shakes out. His physical presence and leadership would complement the Oilers’ offensive stars and give them a more complete back end.
