Maple Leafs acquire the Panthers’ previous first overall pick in a trade pitch.
The top player from the Maple Leafs who turned down a contract offer now has made it clear that he wants to sign with the Florida Panthers.
A user-generated trade proposal on PuckPedia would see the Stanley Cup winner and former first overall selection Aaron Ekblad join the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Florida Panthers.
Using PuckGM, a new interactive feature on PuckPedia, a blockbuster scenario was created in which Ekblad, whose name has surfaced in trade speculations since Florida won the Stanley Cup, would be traded to Toronto in exchange for two draft selections and four players.
Ekblad, the top choice in the 2014 draft, would improve Toronto’s defense right away, while Verhaeghe would go back to the team that selected him in the 2013 draft, adding some much-needed offensive punch to the forward group.
Meanwhile, Florida would acquire several important NHL players and be able to free some much-needed cap space. Bobby McMann, Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, and Timothy Liljegren may all fit into the Panthers’ starting lineup as forwards while helping to replace Ekblad.
In addition to the players, Florida would also receive its 2025 second-round draft selection and a first-round pick, which they could keep or utilize in later transactions.
Ekblad on the Exchange
NHL source David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period disclosed that Ekblad was a trade target for the Panthers prior to July 1st, when the NHL opened for free agency.
The Panthers are reportedly shopping 2014 first-overall selection Aaron Ekblad, who is nearing the end of his contract, and have already spoken with a few clubs regarding his availability, according to many reliable sources. In addition to being owed a $3 million signing bonus, Ekblad, 28, will have his whole no-movement clause converted to a 12-team no-trade list on July 1st, according to an article published by Pagnotta on June 27.
Pagnotta mentioned three clubs that may be interested in acquiring Ekblad, who is in the final year of an eight-year, $60 million contract with Florida, including Toronto.
“A number of teams—the most notable being the Utah Hockey Club, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nashville Predators—are seeking to acquire a top-pair defenseman, particularly one with a right shot,” Pagnotta continued.
In 676 NHL games over his career, Ekblad has skated and scored 115 goals, 232 assists, and 347 points.
GM of the Maple Leafs is happy with the defense’s improvements.
After the Maple Leafs signed Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson as free agents, Toronto concentrated on strengthening their defense in the summer.
RFA Liljegren was also re-signed by the Maple Leafs to a two-year contract. Following the signings, general manager Brad Trelivng expressed excitement about the defensive improvements he had achieved.
“As of right now, I believe the defense has a solid blend. You have size, puck moving ability, and penalty killing ability. Both lefties and righties are here. It’s quite difficult to find defensemen. It gives us more alternatives to consider as the summer progresses. With so many different men capable of doing so many various roles, it definitely provides the coaching staff with a wealth of alternatives,” Treliving stated on July 1.
The Boston Bruins defeated Toronto in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs the previous year.
