The Florida Panthers have yet to finalize contract extensions for defenseman Aaron Ekblad and veteran forward Brad Marchand, two key pieces in their NHL championship run. On the bright side, the Sunrise franchise did secure a new deal with Sam Bennett.
Bennettās eight-year extension is great news for the Panthers, but it also creates another challenge. The team now has around $11 million in salary cap space to work with as they try to re-sign both Marchand and Ekblad. The next few days will be crucial to see how these negotiations unfold.
With free agency fast approaching, both Marchand and Ekblad could become available to any team in the league starting July 1. In recent hours, reports have suggested that one of them might leave, and he already has a serious suitor: the Nashville Predators.
Who is being targeted by the Predators?
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on 102.5 The Game, there is a scenario in which Ekblad could land in Nashville. āIf it doesnāt work out between Florida and Aaron Ekblad, itās not like Nashville is too far from there. From a hockey point of view, it absolutely makes sense,ā Friedman said.
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.
The rumor suggests that the Predators remain a realistic and nearby option to sign the Canadian defenseman. Beyond the geographic proximity, Nashville is a well-structured franchise in need of defensive reinforcements, and Ekblad would fit perfectly into their current system.
see also
NHL News: Brad Marchand has a strong suitor pursuing him if he parts ways with Matthew Tkachukās Panthers
Will Ekblad re-sign with the Panthers?
In recent days, it was revealed that Florida had Bennett as their top priority, something they honored by extending him before his other two teammates. Following that logic, Ekblad would need to wait for the Panthers to reach a deal with Marchand before finalizing his own extension. Time is ticking, and the situation remains unresolved.
