Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers] pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Aaron Ekblad remains without a contract extension, with July 1 rapidly approaching. If this does not change by then, he will become a UFA and would be an incredibly popular target around the league. In a recent episode of TSN Insider Trading, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun said that he believes Aaron Ekblad is the Panthers' pending UFA most likely to test the market on July 1. In addition, he named the Utah Mammoth and Dallas Stars as two teams who could sign him if he becomes available. "Aaron Ekblad, I think, is the pending UFA that ends up going to market," LeBrun said. "I'm not saying that 100%, but that's where signs are right now. Terms has been an issue there. Potential landing spots in Utah and Dallas, depending on what those teams do on the trade market." The Mammoth pursuing Ekblad would certainly make a lot of sense. They are a club on the rise, looking to get into the playoffs, and they recently traded right-shot defenseman Michael Kesselring to the Buffalo Sabres in the JJ Peterka trade. Thus, they could use another top-four, right-shot defenseman. If Ekblad signed in Utah, he would instantly become their top right-shot blueliner. The Stars being interested in Ekblad would also be understandable, as it is no secret that the right side of their defense is their biggest weakness right now. However, they also have very little cap space, so they would need to move out some salary to have any chance of bringing in a star blueliner like Ekblad. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Florida Panthers 2025 NHL Draft primer [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/florida-panthers-2025-nhl-draft-primer] Panthers Trade Forward Prospect To Capitals [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-trade-forward-prospect-to-capitals] Brad Marchand put up amazing numbers in games after a Panthers loss during Florida's Stanley Cup run [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/brad-marchand-put-up-amazing-numbers-in-games-after-a-panthers-loss-during-florida-s-stanley-cup-run] Panthers Acquire Interesting Goalie From Blue Jackets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-acquire-interesting-goalie-from-blue-jackets] Panthers used Stanley Cup ice from Amerant Bank Arena to fill water guns, spray fans during championship parade [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-used-stanley-cup-ice-from-amerant-bank-arena-to-fill-water-guns-spray-fans-during-championship-parade] Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
