Panthers' Aaron Ekblad 'trending' to sign elsewhere

Before the Florida Panthers can focus on a three-peat, they need to address some crucial free agents.

Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett, former No. 1 overall pick and Panther lifer Aaron Ekblad, and playoff hero Brad Marchand are all atop the priority list.

Florida does have $19 million in cap space and should be able to retain two of the three, as well as lock in restricted free agent and promising youngster Mackie Samoskevich. However, there will likely be an odd-man out, and it is looking more and more like it will be Ekblad.

According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, Ekblad is “trending” to leave the Panthers in free agency.

Ekblad just wrapped up his eight-year, $60 million deal, and at 29 years old, is certainly worthy of a raise. He benefits from playing alongside defensive stalwart Gustav Forsling, but that is a two-way street.

Ekblad was a slightly disappointing first overall pick, as he never brought the offensive firepower or shutdown abilities expected of him. However, he is still a legitimate top-pairing defenseman and has transformed his game into a nastier, meaner version reminiscent of the rest of this Florida team.

Perhaps he feels that he has accomplished everything there is to accomplish with the Panthers and seeks a life-altering payday with another franchise.

Florida also has Seth Jones poised to assume those top right-handed responsibilities, and can still lean on Forsling and Niko Mikkola on the back end.

Ekblad leaving would still hurt, but the Panthers are well-equipped to handle his departure. Look at Nate Schmidt. They brought him in, and he looked like his best self. There is no reason they can not repeat that formula with someone else.