The Florida Panthers could be forced to sacrifice longtime blue-liner Aaron Ekblad as they prioritize re-signing forward Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand.
In an appearance on Insider Trading published on June 24, notable insider Pierre LeBrun discussed the decision Florida faces concerning their big three free agents. LeBrun had this to say:
""An important seven days now for Panthers GM Bill Zito in trying to re-sign some of his core pending UFAs. Number one on that list in terms of priority, I believe, is Sam Bennett.""
LeBrun noted that Bennett wants to stay, while the Panthers want to keep him. However, the issue lies in figuring out what the cost would be to keep Bennett around. The speculation is that Bennett could sign a deal similar to the one Sam Reinhart signed last offseason.
Otherwise, Bennett could be showered with offers if he chooses to hit the open market on July 1. LeBrun also underscored the fact that Bennett’s agent, Dan Ferriss, is known to push the envelope by taking his clients to July 1. That situation means it could be some time before Bennett and the Panthers agree on a new contract.
LeBrun then added:
""I think second on that list, I think is Brad Marchand ahead of Aaron Ekblad, if I were going to predict the odds of who stays.""
The rationale behind LeBrun’s comments lies in how Marchand was a great fit in the Panthers’ lineup, boosting the team down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Re-signing Bennett and Marchand could leave very little cap space left over for Ekblad. If that’s indeed the case, the Florida Panthers could have no other choice but to pass on Ekblad and allow him to go to the open market on July 1.
Why Aaron Ekblad could be a gamble for Florida Panthers
LeBrun dug into his reasoning why Aaron Ekblad seems like the odd man out for the Florida Panthers.
He stated:
""I think that probably leaves out Aaron Ekblad. I won’t say there’s no chance he re-signs, but the reality is that I don’t think there’s been a lot of negotiation throughout the year since last summer on Aaron Ekblad."
One of the key issues LeBrun highlighted was the term. He believes Ekblad and the Panthers couldn’t agree on how long an extension could have been last summer, leaving the issue unresolved until this season. It now seems the matter has come to a head, with Ekblad potentially being left out in the cold.
While Bill Zito has stated his commitment to bringing back all three pending UFAs, it will be a tall order. So, the Panthers may have no other alternative but to sacrifice Ekblad to keep Bennet and Marchand.