The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their rebuilding process with Auston Matthews as the centerpiece of their offense, but now the franchise wants to strengthen its defensive power. Their eyes are on the Florida Panthers and star forward Matthew Tkachuk, who is currently playing in the NHL Stanley Cup Final.
The series against the Edmonton Oilers has the Panthers’ camp fully focused, with the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final tied at 2-2. However, the offseason is approaching, and attention is starting to shift slightly toward the contract situations of some of Tkachuk’s teammates who could become free agents.
It’s not just Brad Marchand or Sam Bennett who are working through their situations with Florida, a veteran defenseman is also drawing interest from several franchises. Among them are Matthews’ Maple Leafs, who could make a serious push in the coming hours.
The player the Maple Leafs are targeting in Florida
NHL insider David Pagnotta of NHL Network has reported that the Maple Leafs are interested in pursuing Aaron Ekblad. “Edmonton, Toronto and Detroit among the teams that will look at signing Aaron Ekblad if he hits free agency,” he stated. Fellow insider EJ Hradek has backed up that information.
Aaron Ekblad #5 of the Florida Panthers celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on April 28, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
The Red Wings are another team closely monitoring Ekblad’s situation. He’s in the final year of an eight-year contract worth $7.5 million annually, signed in 2016. The 29-year-old is the all-time leader in games played and points among defensemen in Panthers history and was a Stanley Cup champion in June 2024.
see also
NHL News: Sam Bennett is reportedly set to make a final decision on his future with the Panthers
Details on Ekblad’s situation
Salary constraints and cap limitations have forced Florida to consider options to rebalance the roster. Toronto is paying close attention, as they need strong right-handed defensemen, while Detroit is looking to add leadership and experience to its young core. Both teams are keeping a close eye on Ekblad in case he hits the open market.
