The Toronto Maple Leafs have plenty of cap space to make a big move this offseason and could look to bolster their blue line.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff believes the Maple Leafs will explore signing Aaron Ekblad from the Florida Panthers.
“I think everyone has spent a lot of time wondering what Aaron Ekblad might look like in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform,” Seravalli said on DailyFaceoff Live on June 24.
Ekblad completed his eight-year, $60 million deal with the Panthers. He was a key part of the team winning back-to-back Stanley Cups. The former first overall pick would add some much-needed toughness and physicality to the Maple Leafs roster. He is also a proven winner.
Ekblad recorded 3 goals and 30 assists for 33 points in 56 games, as he was suspended for PEDs. In the playoffs, he added 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points in 19 games.
What is Ekblad Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Ekblad is one of the top free agents available and is expected to get a hefty contract in free agency.
The former first overall pick is just 29 years old and has several years left in his career. Seravalli lists Ekblad as his fifth-ranked free agent.
AFP Analytics project Ekblad to sign a seven-year deal worth $7.8 million per season.
Ekblad has spent his entire career with the Panthers and has made it clear he wants to stay. But, during the celebration of winning the Cup, he gave an emotional message to fans, leaving many to think he would be leaving.
“That’s part of who I am at this point,’’ Ekblad said. “I’ve spent 11 years here, and that’s more than I’ve spent in any home or city in my life. So it’s home, and I expect it to be home… Conversations have been had, obviously, nothing material yet. But they’ll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here.”
Ekblad said his agent told him not to don’t repeat what Sam Bennett said during the celebration, which is that he isn’t leaving, adding to the speculation that he would leave the Panthers in free agency.
Maple Leafs Could Trade a Defenseman
Toronto has seven defensemen under contract, which is why the Maple Leafs being linked to Ekblad is odd.
However, Toronto could look to trade a defenseman for a forward, as the free agent market isn’t filled with top-end talent. One name that has come up in trade talks is Brandon Carlo, who was recently added to Seravalli’s trade bait board.
“Carlo’s name has popped up in conversation in recent days. Even though he was just acquired on Deadline Day from Boston in exchange for first and fourth-round picks plus Fraser Minten,” Seravalli wrote. “To be blunt: Toronto really isn’t itching to move Carlo. He is a big man who adds reliable depth at a reasonable cap hit. And he’s in the prime of his career. But the Leafs may be able to parlay Carlo, at a premium position, into a higher-end forward to add to the lineup. Few things are off the table at this point for GM Brad Treliving.”
Carlo has two years left on his six-year, $24.6 million deal.
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