NHL Trade Rumors: Insider Greg Wyshynski clears the air on 'shocking' potential move for $60M Stanley Cup winner

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Dec 12, 2024 21:44 GMT

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NHL insider Greg Wyshynski recently addressed trade rumors about Aaron Ekblad in his ESPN column on Thursday. Ekblad, a key player for the Florida Panthers, is in the final year of his $60 million contract. The 28-year-old defenseman has made it clear he wants to stay in Florida. He told the Miami Herald he is not worried about the timing of a contract extension.

“You never know what’s going to happen," Ekblad said to the Miami Herald. "I’m just going to ride it out and see what happens.”

Reports last summer suggested the Panthers were considering trading Ekblad. However, Wyshynski believes a trade is unlikely as the Panthers wouldn’t want to disrupt team chemistry.

"There was a report last summer that the Panthers were "shopping" Ekblad ahead of this contract year, but it's hard to imagine a team having the season that Florida's having would want to alter the chemistry dramatically," Wyshynski said per ESPN.

Greg Wyshynski was talking about the Fourth Period report from David Pagnotta in June.

"According to multiple well-placed sources, the Panthers are shopping 2014 first-overall pick Aaron Ekblad, who is entering the final year of his contract, and have already had discussions with some teams about his availability." Pagnotta reported.

This NHL season, Aaron Ekblad has 14 points (1 goal, 13 assists) in 29 games and averages 23:24 of ice time. He is known for his defensive reliability and leadership. Last season, Ekblad helped the Panthers win the Stanley Cup, contributing 18 points with a plus-minus of 27 in 51 NHL games.

Since being drafted first overall in 2014, Ekblad has consistently been on Florida’s blue line. Over his career, he has played 705 games, recording 361 points and a +90 rating.

For now, Ekblad remains a crucial part of the Panthers. His future will likely be decided after the NHL season ends.

Florida Panthers defeat Kraken 2-1 to win third straight NHL game

Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) in action against Seattle Kraken. (Credits: IMAGN)

The Florida Panthers won 2-1 in a shootout against the Seattle Kraken, securing their third consecutive win. They had previously beaten the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers.

Seattle took the lead with Chandler Stephenson’s breakaway goal at 15:39 of the first period. Florida tied the game when Aleksander Barkov scored with a one-timer from Sam Reinhart’s pass at 18:59 of the second period.

The game went to overtime, where Sergei Bobrovsky made a key save on a breakaway. Barkov and Reinhart scored in the shootout, and Bobrovsky stopped Seattle’s attempts.

Bobrovsky made 17 saves, and Barkov extended his point streak to seven NHL games with 10 points.