David Pagnotta: Stanley Cup Champion Reportedly on Maple Leafs' Radar This Offseason
Photo credit: Sonnet Media
NHL Insider David Pagnotta believes the Maple Leafs are big-time players to sign Aaron Ekblad once free agency opens up on July 1.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs really want to add a force to their blueline, they might want to add Aaron Ekblad, who is currently fighting for his second straight Stanley Cup. He would be an instant improvement to their back end but also seriously cripple Florida going forward.
Aaron Ekblad garnering serious interest from Maple Leafs: David Pagnotta
However, with Florida looking to re-sign Sam Bennett to a long-term deal, there might not be enough room for the team to bring Ekblad back.
Which is why NHL Insider and The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta believes that if Ekblad is going to be gone, it looks like the Maple Leafs are going to be one of the frontrunners.
Ekblad is likely out, he'll be a free agent July 1. Then it's 50/50. He's gelled well with the current group, he likes it here, I wouldn't be surprised if they find a pathway to a deal.
It certainly sounds though that Ekblad will test the market. They had discussions last offseason to try and see if they can lock him in and they haven't gotten there yet.
He changed representation, the money won't change, they want him to take less than he's making now.
The Maple Leafs come to mind, a right-handed shooting defenseman that can play in these types of games. He's not as fast as he maybe once was but could be a valuable asset.
It certainly sounds though that Ekblad will test the market. They had discussions last offseason to try and see if they can lock him in and they haven't gotten there yet.
He changed representation, the money won't change, they want him to take less than he's making now.
The Maple Leafs come to mind, a right-handed shooting defenseman that can play in these types of games. He's not as fast as he maybe once was but could be a valuable asset.
With those factors in play, the Maple Leafs are certainly going to be frontrunners, but can they (or should they) splurge to acquire him?
The cost of adding Aaron Ekblad to the Maple Leafs
Besides persuading him to come over for a chance to win a Cup in Canada, the team is going to have to offer a lot of money. Currently making $7.5M, he does have injury concerns but he's worth much more than what Florida wants to seemingly offer him.
Brad Treliving will have to pull out the big guns for this signing, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Ekblad signed for five or six years worth roughly $8.5M per season.
Is that an overpayment? Potentially, especially with the Maple Leafs defense already locked up and only getting older.
But he instantly improves the team's blueline, gives them a right-handed shot, someone who isn't afraid to shoot the puck; something Toronto desperately needs a boost in.
Ekblad is also someone who can give you 12-15 goals per season on defense, and with Brad Treliving wanting to get more offense from his backend next year; why not add a booming shot to your top pair?
He's no slouch on defense either, and while he doesn't throw a ton of hits or block 125 shots like Chris Tanev, but he's more than capable of shutting opponents down.
Ekblad, 29, has 380 points in 732 games since being drafted first overall in 2014. He's won one Stanley Cup in 2023-2024, a Calder Trophy, and was a first-team All-Rookie; both in 2014-15.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 14 | 383 ANSWERS David Pagnotta: Stanley Cup Champion Reportedly on Maple Leafs' Radar This Offseason Do you think Aaron Ekblad makes sense as a good trade for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 298 | 77.8 % |
| No | 85 | 22.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
