After heartbreaking playoff exit, Stars reportedly target key defenseman on Brad Marchand, Matthew Tkachuk’s Panthers in free agency

The Dallas Stars are determined to avenge their past losses in the Western Conference Final in consecutive NHL seasons. According to reports, in hopes of acquiring a key player to their lineup, the Stars have set their sights on one key teammate of Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk on the Florida Panthers, in case he makes it to free agency.

Led by GM Jim Nill, the Stars have become one of the best teams in the NHL when it comes to business decisions. Because of Nill’s work, the Stars boast one of the best rosters on paper in the league, but they always seem to collapse in the biggest moments.

They won’t stop trying to break the hex, however, and the team in Dallas has apparently fixed their eyes in one top target in the upcoming free agency, seeking one star teammate of Marchand and Tkachuk.

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad has put on a tremendous production in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, setting many narratives around his game to rest. Ekblad, who has battled several injuries throughout his career, is finally having the dream postseason he always hoped. However, he would trade every goal and assist for another Stanley Cup with the Panthers.

Aaron Ekblad #5 of the Florida Panthers in action against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena on February 01, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

Ekblad to Dallas?

Ekblad is playing on the final season of the 8-year extension he had signed with the Panthers ahead of the 2017-18 NHL campaign. Although there appears to be mutual interest between Florida and Ekblad to work out a new deal, the Stars are keeping a close eye in case the blueliner tests the market.

see also

Connor McDavid will take Oilers to Stanley Cup glory, only if Stuart Skinner and company step up to Panthers’ level

According to insider Jeff Marek, the Dallas Stars could target Aaron Ekblad in the upcoming NHL free agency. However, it remains to be seen whether Ekblad actually becomes an unrestricted free agent. Based on his latest comments, the Stars shouldn’t keep their hopes too high.

Ekblad sets record straight

While Ekblad’s recent performances have drawn attention from several teams around the league, the former first overall pick in the 2014 NHL entry Draft has only ever played in Sunrise—and he doesn’t plan on moving anytime soon.

“I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers. I bleed for the Florida Panthers,” Ekblad firmly told reporters when asked about potentially becoming an UFA. “I’ve given my body and everything to this team. I want to keep doing it forever, for as long as they’ll let me keep coming to the rink.”