Former No. 1 Overall Draft Pick Becoming Surprise Trade Candidate

Before the 2024/25 season began, former No. 1 overall draft pick Aaron Ekblad was named as an intriguing trade piece for the Florida Panthers, and now those rumours have resurfaced.

In a recent report from ESPN's Greg Wyshysnki, Ekblad could be a surprise trade piece for the Florida Panthers ahead of the March 7th trade deadline, with the team looking to go back-to-back for the first time in franchise history.

However, it's unclear exactly who the team would target in a potential deal, as they would have a clear hole on their top pairing without Ekblad, who has been a constant presence for the organization since being drafted way back in the 2014 NHL Draft.

In 51 games this year, the 29 year old has posted 3 goals and 27 points, and while he's not as productive as he has been in years past, it's clear that he's still got plenty of good years ahead of him.

After the 2024/25 season, Ekblad will hit free agency for the first time since 2017 when he signed a long-term deal with the Panthers, and if they don't see him as a part of their plans moving forward, it makes sense to move him.

Ultimately, it would take a lot for the Panthers to move someone that has been so important to the franchise over the last decade, but if they can get a solid return and fill the hole he would create on their top pairing, it could make sense for the defending Stanley Cup Champions and their long-term plans.