It was reported moments after the Stanley Cup was won by the Florida Panthers that Aaron Ekblad was placed on the trade block and that the organization was exploring options for the veteran defensemen, so early after the win that the team was yet to celebrate their Stanley Cup parade.
At 28 years of age, Ekblad holds a cap hit of $7.5 million and is on the final year of his deal next season. He was declined severely over the past few years, and a change of scenery may be what rejuvenates his career after spending the entirety of it in Florida with the Panthers.
With his $7.5 million dollar cap hit and declining play, teams may not be opposed to take on such a contract, for the Blackhawks- who have plenty of cap space, this is clearly a low-risk, high-reward scenario, where they can acquire a veteran defensemen to lead the young pack of the future in Chicago.
Source : The Hockey News
NHL Hot Seat Radar: Ekblad Under Pressure Entering Contract Year, While GM Zito Sits Comfy with Cup-Champion Panthers
POLL | ||
JUILLET 31 | 105 ANSWERS Transaction: Stanley Cup Winning veteran to join the Chicago Blackhawks? Would this cup winner take over the captaincy in Chicago? | ||
Yes | 36 | 34.3 % |
No | 69 | 65.7 % |
List of polls |