Florida Panthers list Aaron Ekblad on trade market following Stanley Cup win

NHL insider David Pagnotta reported today that the Florida Panthers are shopping veteran defenseman Aaron Ekblad shortly after winning the Stanley Cup.

Ekblad was selected first overall in the 2014 NHL Draft and has since had a successful career, though his point production may not have reached some expectations. With nearly 700 career games played, he has accumulated just under 350 points, won a Calder Trophy, and recently added a Stanley Cup to his achievements. He has one year left on his contract with the Panthers, carrying a $7.5 million cap hit.

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.

Ekblad, 28, will see his full no-movement clause shift to a 12-team no-trade list July 1, when he is also due a $3 million signing bonus.

Ekblad's performance for the Panthers in this season's playoffs was solid yet arguably underwhelming. He recorded only 6 points in 24 games and averaged over one giveaway per game, with just two takeaways. Additionally, he played his lowest average time on ice per game in his playoff career, despite still logging over 22 minutes per night. As a result, his current value is uncertain given his performance this season.

NEW: The NHL trade market is heating up and there's a new name popping up among those who are being made available.

Longtime Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad may be on the move this summer.

#TimeToHunt story @TheHockeyNews ⬇️

Pagnotta has also mentioned that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in Aaron Ekblad. The team has also been associated with pending free agent Brandon Montour, who nearly doubled Ekblad's scoring in the playoffs.

With 11 pending unrestricted free agents on the roster, the Panthers appear to be shopping D Aaron Ekblad.

The Leafs, along with several teams, are interested in the Panthers Defenceman.

[via: @TheFourthPeriod]

#leafsforever

The roster of defensemen connected to the Maple Leafs keeps expanding. Stay tuned this summer to see which ones ultimately join the Leafs.

Previously on Hockey Trade Rumours

Max Domi and the Toronto Maple Leafs: significant development revealed

Andrew Mangiapane traded from the Calgary Flames to the Washington Capitals

The LA Kings have completed a trade sending Carl Grundstrom for Kyle Burroughs

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