Defenseman on the trade block could greatly help the Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings have only one defenseman signed through the 2025-26 season. This year, Ben Chiarot, Justin Holl, Erik Gustafsson, and Simon Edvinsson will play their final contract seasons.

Most of them aren't likely to return. Yzerman will do all he can to get Edvinsson to sign long-term with the team as soon as he can, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the others leave.

Also, Jeff Petry and William Lagesson will both enter free agency this summer.

With that in mind, it's safe to say the Red Wings will be among the teams to watch closely on the trade and free agent markets this year.

A new report suggested that Detroit should go after one of the best defensemen available in free agency: Aaron Ekblad.

The Florida Panthers drafted Aaron Ekblad with the 2014 first overall pick, and the team is currently on the verge of clinching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals for the third straight year.

Even if he faced his fair share of adversity this season, being limited to 56 games due to injuries and his 20-game suspension for violating the NHL Performance Enhancing Substances Program, he came back and played an important role for his team in the playoffs.

After 12 games, the 29-year-old player tallies 10 points, with a +10 rating. His recent success suggests that he could be pricing himself out of Florida, making him an attractive target for many organizations looking for a reliable player to add to their blue line, such as the Red Wings.

He could bring some experience and physicality needed on Detroit's top four, helping the younger guys learn what it takes to win in the playoffs.

He also fits the profile of what Steve Yzerman looks for in a defenseman: size, IQ, and skill.

Would you like to see him in with the Red Wings?