Aaron Ekblad signs with the Detroit Red Wings: A major development was just confirmed
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings are predicted to sign a $55 million defenseman in hopes of giving the blueline a Stanley Cup Champion presence to get back into the playoffs.
Detroit's playoff drought has been for 9 consecutive seasons, and Steve Yzerman is hoping there's a path in free agency to make their way back to the top.
With the Florida Panthers coming off of back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships, many players are on expiring contracts and require a significant payday that the organization cannot afford.
According to Matt Larkin of The Daily Faceoff, Yzerman's goal is to sign defenseman Aaron Ekblad in Free agency which begins on July 1st.
"It's no secret the Wings desperately need help on their blueline to support Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider," Larkin writes. "That's why I suggested them as key suitors to watch in potential trades for Rasmus Andersson and Noah Dobson. While they absolutely have the necessary pick-and-prospect capital to make pitches for either bluelinerGM Steve Yzerman could also spend «only» money to land Ekblad. He hasn't lived up to the promise that made him the 2014 NHL Draft's No. 1 overall pick, but he's a top-pair workhorse and two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers. He'd be a significant upgrade over the likes of Justin Holl and Jeff Petry."
-Matt Larkin, The Daily Faceoff
-Matt Larkin, The Daily Faceoff
Analytics are projecting a $7.8 million per season deal for Ekblad, which is expected to span over seven years. It would be a $55 million deal for the veteran defenseman and the Red Wings.
Ekblad is first in Panthers history for a defenseman in games played (732), goals (118), assists (262), and points (380).
Detroit could really use his 29-year old veteran presence, and we will find out his fate with the Red Wings come July 1st free agency.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 28 | 356 ANSWERS Aaron Ekblad signs with the Detroit Red Wings: A major development was just confirmed Will you be happy if the Red Wings finalize a $55M deal with free agent Aaron Ekblad? | ||
| Yes | 284 | 79.8 % |
| No | 72 | 20.2 % |
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