The Panthers have been busy on the extension front early on this season. They signed Carter Verhaeghe on opening night, recently inked Paul Maurice to a new deal, and are in discussions on an extension with Sam Bennett. However, according to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, it has been quiet when it comes to potential talks with their other prominent UFA, defenseman Aaron Ekblad. The 28-year-old is in the final season of what was a record-setting contract at the time for a blueliner coming off an entry-level deal, paying him $7.5MM per season. Despite being banged up with injuries the last few years, it stands to reason that a new pact should come in somewhat close to this one which Florida might not be able to afford if they keep Bennett.
Elsewhere in the Atlantic Division:
- Still with Florida, center Aleksander Barkov took part in a full practice for the first time since sustaining his lower-body injury, one that’s believed to be a high-ankle sprain, notes George Richards of Florida Hockey Now. While he has been ruled out for tonight’s game, the 29-year-old could be cleared to return on Monday against Buffalo. Barkov has potted at least 68 points in the last three seasons and has an assist in two games so far in 2024-25.
- Maple Leafs winger Max Pacioretty will return from his lower-body injury tonight versus Boston, relays TSN’s Mark Masters (Twitter link). The 35-year-old has played in five games so far this season, scoring twice. Pacioretty is owed a bonus of just over $313K when he reaches the 10-game mark and even with Toronto not playing him full-time, he should be able to hit that over the next few weeks as long as he stays healthy.
- The Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Red Wings, announced that they’ve released goaltender Malcolm Subban from his PTO deal. The 30-year-old played in 35 AHL games last season, posting a 3.12 GAA and a .901 SV%. Subban also has played in parts of nine NHL seasons spanning 87 appearances where he has a 3.10 GAA and a .898 SV% and will now look to catch on elsewhere.
I know that Sabres and Rochester Amerk fans love Malcolm Subban, and I think he enjoyed his time in the org. Sentiment is a stupid reason to make a move. But BUF lost Reimer to waivers and could use someone in Roch. with experience. I’m not calling for this; just saying.
Think it would be safe to say Ekblad won’t be re-signed unless it’s a budget friendly deal.
Ekblad would be lucky to get a Shea Theodore type deal. Anything more than that is an overpayment
Ekblad should still get 4 years at $5 million per, he likes being in FL, kind of depends on how well he plays the rest of the season.
I wouldn’t give him more than a two year deal at any price. It’s been six seasons now since Ekblad’s played a full schedule. His scoring’s in sharp decline. His minutes are in decline. His possession numbers are in decline. He’s young for it, but players as banged up as he’s been often do slow down early. Odds that they’ll deeply regret giving him more than two years are pretty good.