The Florida Panthers have multiple big-name pending unrestricted free agents heading into the summer, and defenseman Aaron Ekblad is one of them. If the 29-year-old is not re-signed by the Panthers by July 1, he will be the top blueliner available in free agency and be an incredibly popular target. The Panthers would also have the immensely difficult task of trying to replace him.
Yet, if Ekblad has it his way, he won't become a free agent this summer. While speaking with reporters, including NHL.com's Jameson Olive, Ekblad made it abundantly clear that his hope is to stay with the Panthers.
"I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers," Ekblad said. "I bleed for the Florida Panthers. 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."
Hearing Ekblad make comments like this is certainly encouraging, as it certainly shows that he wants to stick around in Florida. Once the Stanley Cup Final is over, the Panthers should work hard to try to re-sign him. He is their No. 1 defenseman and is on both their power play and penalty kill, so his incredibly valuable to their group.
Ekblad has appeared in 13 playoff games for the Panthers this spring, where he has three goals, 11 points, and a plus-6 rating. In 732 games with the Panthers over 11 seasons, the 2014 first-overall pick has recorded 118 goals, 380 points, and a plus-96 rating.
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