Aaron Ekblad wants to remain with the Florida Panthers but could he become a Dallas Stars option?
Jameson Olive: Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad on being a pending UFA:
“I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers. I bleed for the Florida Panthers. I’ve given my body and everything to this team. I want to keep doing it forever, for as long as they’ll let me keep coming to the rink.”
Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff: If Aaron Ekblad gets to free agency, and if the Dallas Stars could clear some cap space, the Stars could look at Ekblad.
The Stars could use a big, right-handed defenseman to go along with Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell.
Bill Zito Built the Florida Panthers The Right Way
14 potential trade targets for the Vancouver Canucks
Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance of The Athletic: A look at 14 players who could be realistic trade options for the Vancouver Canucks this offseason that would be an upgrade to their top-six forward group.
Alexis Lafreniere – LW – New York Rangers – There could be some buyer’s remorse after giving him a seven-year deal at a $7.45 million cap hit. Hit 57 points a year ago.
Nicolas Roy – C/RW – Vegas Golden Knights – Carries a $3 million cap hit, but Vegas could be looking to shed salary.
Marco Rossi – C – Minnesota Wild – Pending RFA who put up 60 points. Only 5′ 9″ and can he produce without someone like Kirill Kaprizov or Matt Boldy?
Mason Marchment – LW – Dallas Stars – The Stars will be looking to move out some salary. Marchment carries a $4.5 million cap hit.
JJ Peterka – RW – Buffalo Sabres – 23-year-old had 68 points last season. He’ll get plenty of interest, which will drive up the price.
NHL News: Bruins, Rangers, Canucks, and Blue Jackets
Jonathan Marchessault – RW – Nashville Predators – 34 years old, 5′ 9″, with four years left at $5.5 million. Has a 15-team no-trade list.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau – C – New York Islanders – Has a year left and a 16-team no-trade clause. Not really a top-six center.
Brayden Schenn – C – St. Louis Blues – Three years left at $6.5 million for the soon-to-be 34-year-old. Provides some offense, physicality, and leadership.
Bryan Rust – RW – Pittsburgh Penguins – Three years left at $5.125 million for the 33-year-old. Has a no-movement clause that will expire on July 1st.
Morgan Geekie – C/RW – Boston Bruins – Had a breakout 33-goal season. A pending RFA.
Calle Jarnkrok – RW – Toronto Maple Leafs – More of a bottom-six than a top-six at $2.1 million.
Pavel Zacha – C – Boston Bruins – Not a perfect fit, but the 28-year-old has two years left at $4.75 million.
Erik Haula – C/RW – New Jersey Devils – Final year of his deal with a $3.1 million cap hit. Has a full no-trade that converts to a six-team no-trade on July 1st.
NHL Rumors: Corey Perry, and John Tavares
Trevor Zegras – C/LW – Anaheim Ducks – Still only 24 years old. Has dealt with injuries and a drop in production. Carries some risk.
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