NHL Trade Rumors: Aaron Ekblad likely to exit Florida Panthers as free agency nears

A big thing might happen soon in hockey. On June 23, 2025, NHL insider Chris Johnston dropped a hint that Aaron Ekblad could be leaving the Florida Panthers when his contract runs out.

But he didn’t rule out a deal. This news raises questions: Will Ekblad stay with Florida or sign elsewhere? The next few weeks could change everything.

Aaron Ekblad may leave Florida, says Chris Johnston

Chris Johnston, on his Chris Johnston Show podcast on June 23, 2025, said it “seems more likely than not Aaron Ekblad is moving on from Florida; door not closed but that’s the industry sentiment". H

e meant scouts and teams expect Ekblad won't re‑sign with the Panthers.

Ekblad, a Canadian defenceman born Feb 7, 1996 in Windsor, Ontario, has played with Florida since 2014 and helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2024 and again in 2025. But his current eight‑year deal, worth $60 million, ends this July. Florida may offer less, around $6–7 million a year — compared to his current $7.5 million average annual value.Despite Florida’s success, Ekblad’s future is unclear. He has said he wants to stay in Florida, calling it “home".

But Johnston’s update implies teams around the league believe he may test the free agent market if the Panthers don’t offer a deal that fits his value. A report on June 22 ranks Ekblad as Florida’s second priority behind Sam Bennett .

Aaron Ekblad’s value and risks – what comes next

Aaron Ekblad, now 29, has a mixed track record. When healthy, he is a workhorse defence leader. Over two playoff runs, he played top minutes and contributed heavily in back‑to‑back Cup wins.

Scouts see him as valuable.Also Read: “Don’t say whatever Benny said”: Aaron Ekblad just gave us Yet he brings risk. He missed games due to shoulder surgery in 2023–24 and other injuries, and he was suspended for 20 games in March 2025 for a performance‑enhancing drug violation. That suspension is the first of its kind in the NHL since 2018 .Take into account he didn’t play a full season since 2018–19—only 51 games in 2023–24, and 56 games in the just‑ended 2024–25 season.Other teams will have to weigh Ekblad’s playoff performance and status as a key player against his injury history and age decline. Florida may push for a lower salary in order to sign other free agents like Bennett and Brad Marchand. But industry experts think Ekblad might want full market value, making a departure likely.The next big date is July 1, 2025 — the start of NHL free agency. By then, we’ll know whether Ekblad stays in Florida or signs elsewhere.