Free agent target shuts down reports of heading to the Red Wings

After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 9th straight year, the Red Wings are expected to be players in the free agent market this summer.

There are multiple high-profile names up for grabs that they've been linked to, not the least of which is pending Toronto Maple Leafs UFA forward Mitch Marner.

The Red Wings have also been linked to a handful of players from another divisional foe, the Florida Panthers. They have several pending UFAs on their roster who could very well be playing elsewhere next year, including both Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand.

But the one name Detroit has most been linked to is defenseman Aaron Ekblad, the former 1st overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and who has spent his entire NHL career with the Panthers.

While Ekblad would represent a major upgrade for Detroit's blue line over players like Jeff Petry and Justin Holl, it looks like he wants everyone else to know that he has no intention of leaving Florida.

Right now, Ekblad is focused on winning his 2nd straight Stanley Cup with the Panthers in a rematch against the Edmonton Oilers.

He had 33 points (3G, 30A) in 56 games, though he missed a good chunk of the year because of a suspension for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing drug policy.