The 2025 NHL offseason has proven to be eventful, marked by significant trades, 224 prospects selected in the draft, and numerous contract extensions.
As free agency unfolds, NHL reporters Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton, and Greg Wyshynski are evaluating the major signings, considering player fit with their new teams, contract terms, and more.
We will provide ongoing assessments of the most notable transactions throughout the offseason, with the latest grades listed first. Contract values are listed as average annual value (AAV).
July 1
Mikael Granlund, F
Anaheim Ducks
The terms: Three years, $7 million AAV
Grade: C+
Where does he fit?
Granlund is a seasoned forward known for his scoring ability, having produced well throughout his career (with the exception of a brief stint in Pittsburgh, which is best forgotten). He had a standout contract year last season between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, registering 22 goals and 44 assists in 83 games. This included five goals and 13 assists on the power play.
Granlund can play all three forward positions. It`s quite possible the Ducks will place him at right wing in their top six, considering they already have Cutter Gauthier and Chris Kreider on the left side. If they intend for him to play center, it might be on the third line behind Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish. However, it`s unlikely they are paying him $7 million to be a third-liner.
His immediate offensive contribution could be utilized anywhere in their lineup. He was one of the top playmakers available in this offseason.
Does it make sense?
It appears Granlund had 21 million reasons to depart from the `Finnish Mafia.` It`s still difficult to grasp why a veteran forward would choose to leave both the Stars, a perennial contender in the West, and the opportunity to play alongside Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz for a Ducks team that is likely still a year away from true contention.
Granlund was acquired by the Stars from San Jose last season and recorded 21 points in 31 games before adding 10 points in 18 playoff games. Dallas wanted to keep him. Granlund recognized a free agent forward market that was notably thin. And now, he`s a Duck.
Don`t dwell on the cap hit for Granlund. The Ducks possess an enormous amount of salary cap space for next season and have significant cap flexibility for the second year of his deal. They had the financial capacity to overpay for a forward. The questionable part is their decision to do so with Granlund.
For a team aiming to enhance its overall defense, Granlund is far from a 200-foot player. He demonstrated negative relative defensive metrics across the board in Dallas compared to his teammates, from shot attempts to scoring chances against.
For some players, the offensive upside is high enough to offset the defensive liability. I`m not certain if that`s the case for Granlund, and given how poor the Ducks were defensively at 5-on-5 analytically last season, I`m not sure he was a free agent Anaheim necessarily needed to acquire. — Wyshynski
Corey Perry, RW
Los Angeles Kings
The terms: 1 year, $2.5 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
Perry has been playing professionally for nearly two decades now. And at 40 years old, he still has some game left.
He will serve as a depth scoring winger for the Kings, providing a net-front presence and consistent agitation. Last season, Perry scored 19 goals and 30 points in 81 games for Edmonton, primarily in a fourth-line role, maintaining consistent production while warding off Father Time.
Perry also elevated his game in the playoffs, scoring 10 goals in 22 games. He even played on Connor McDavid`s wing when Zach Hyman was sidelined by injury during the postseason. Keeping pace with a player like McDavid is no small feat, and Perry didn`t look out of place. Expect Kings` coach Jim Hiller to find a spot for Perry in L.A.`s bottom six where he can contribute energy along with offensive potential.
Does it make sense?
If you had told the Kings 10 years ago that Perry – who relentlessly bothered them as a member of the Anaheim Ducks – would one day be playing alongside Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, it would have seemed like a bizarre dream. But time changes things.
At this stage of his career, Perry should be an ideal fit for the Kings. There won`t be significant pressure on him to perform, but he is capable of delivering. He will make the Kings a tougher team to play against, particularly in the postseason, which is L.A.`s focus this season (aiming for more than just one round).
Jokes aside about Perry consistently joining teams that reach the Stanley Cup Final only to lose – the guy seems to be in the right situations to at least have a shot at a championship. Of course, Perry alone isn`t going to transform L.A. into a postseason powerhouse. He`s simply a piece of the larger puzzle now. Teams that make deep runs understand the value of scoring depth, leadership, and experience in the spring. Perry brings all these qualities to L.A.
The contract is also favorable for the Kings. Perry will cost them a maximum of $3.5 million (if he achieves all bonuses in his one-year deal, which is improbable), and if he proves to be the difference-maker they need, it`s an excellent return. Past rivalries are bygones. This partnership is beneficial for both Perry and the Kings at this time.
Nate Schmidt, D
Utah Mammoth
The terms: 3 years, $3.5 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
Call it the Florida Effect. Joining the Panthers rejuvenated Nate Schmidt. He had a strong regular season and was even better during Florida`s Stanley Cup run, tallying three goals and 12 points in 23 games. Schmidt earned his minutes on the Panthers` third pairing as an excellent rush defender who made sound decisions with the puck and delivered some impressive playmaking performances.
Essentially, Schmidt can do it all when placed in the right role. And he earned the pay raise offered by Utah.
The Mammoth are acquiring Schmidt at his recent best. He can slot into their third defensive pairing, handle a decent workload, and contribute at 5-on-5 and on special teams. He will also provide a veteran presence on a young team that is still finding its identity. While Schmidt isn`t the fastest skater, he is smart, confident, and experienced. A true trifecta.
Does it make sense?
Absolutely. The Mammoth were a middle-of-the-road defensive team last season, allowing an average of 3.01 goals against and lacking significant offensive punch from their defensemen beyond Mikhail Sergachev and his 53-point campaign. Schmidt is expected to help elevate the entire group. He will be an upgrade over Ian Cole and can offer higher offensive upside than Juuso Valimaki. These are all positive aspects for the Mammoth.
If Utah can deploy Schmidt in the appropriate role, he should bring some Cup-winning pedigree and consistent output that improves the blue line.
Ryan Lindgren, D
Seattle Kraken
The terms: 4 years, $4.5 million AAV
Grade: B
Where does he fit?
Lindgren appears to be part of a broader strategy focused on how the Kraken can address the defensive inconsistencies that were a chronic issue throughout the 2024-25 season.
Metrics show they were in the top 10 for most scoring chances allowed per 60 minutes, most shots allowed per 60, and most high-danger scoring chances allowed per 60.
The Kraken also ranked 21st on the penalty kill with a 77.2% success rate.
Last season, he finished with four goals and a career-high 22 points in 72 games played between the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche. So, while he possesses some offensive capabilities, the primary interest in Lindgren for the Kraken or any interested team was his defensive contribution.
His addition strengthens the Kraken`s top-six defensive group, which already included Vince Dunn, Ryker Evans, Adam Larsson, Brandon Montour, and Jamie Oleksiak, with Josh Mahura expected to be the seventh defenseman.
Acquiring Lindgren now provides more flexibility; he could serve as a top-four or No. 5 defenseman for the Kraken and play a significant role on the penalty kill, having logged over 127 short-handed minutes in each of his six full NHL seasons.
Does it make sense?
Lindgren brings a dimension the Kraken previously lacked and, along with two-way center Frederick Gaudreau, further reinforces new Kraken GM Jason Botterill`s efforts to build more defensive consistency for the team.
Although there is a clear role for him with the Kraken, there is room for discussion about his exact placement within the defensive structure.
Dunn and Larsson have generally formed their top pairing, offering a balance of a puck-mover paired with a physical, stay-at-home option, with a left-handed shot alongside a right-handed shot.
If that combination remains, the Kraken`s second pairing becomes the next possibility. Montour provides the second pairing with another right-handed puck-mover. This creates an opening for another left-handed, stay-at-home defenseman.
But is that Lindgren or Oleksiak? And regardless of who gets the spot, is it the most sensible decision to pay a No. 5 defenseman roughly $4.5 million annually?
Especially given other financial considerations. They need to sign Evans, a pending RFA, while also planning for the next contracts of RFAs like Kaapo Kakko and Tye Kartye.
Projections indicate they will have approximately $13.557 million in remaining cap space, money that will need to be used to sign their RFA class, with the possibility of making trades to create further space. — Clark
Vladislav Gavrikov, D
New York Rangers
The terms: 7 years, $7 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
This signing was an early birthday gift for Adam Fox. The Rangers` top defenseman saw a dip in production last season (61 points in 74 games), partly due to injuries and an overall down year for the team, but also because Fox struggled to find the right partner on the top pairing. He didn`t generate enough offense next to long-time partner Ryan Lindgren, who was traded to Colorado. His pairing with K`Andre Miller was more successful, but the Rangers were unwilling to commit long-term and traded the restricted free agent to Carolina.
Enter Vladislav Gavrikov, a genuine top-pairing shutdown defenseman. He provides a lefty-righty combination with Fox, giving Fox the kind of stay-at-home partner he had with Lindgren, allowing him to take more offensive risks.
Gavrikov was very solid for the Los Angeles Kings last season, playing the most average minutes (23:05) of his six-year career while facing tough competition nightly. His pairing with Mikey Anderson allowed just 1.61 goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. He isn`t the most physical defenseman but is an underrated skater and plays intelligently in his own zone. Gavrikov ranked 12th on the Kings in penalty minutes per game (0:20) over 82 games.
Does it make sense?
He addresses a crucial need for the Rangers, both in assisting Fox and adding veteran defensive depth to a developing blueline. The 29-year-old is coming off an excellent season with the Kings and is very much in his prime. Despite his defensive focus, he also contributed 30 points last season.
Gavrikov has previous ties to two current Rangers players, having played with Artemi Panarin in Columbus and Igor Shesterkin in the KHL.
The contract comes in at $1.5 million annually less than Ivan Provorov`s new deal with Columbus. The difference in their on-ice impact is relatively small. The contract is front-loaded with $25.2 million in bonus money over the first five seasons, but the Rangers likely won`t need to consider buyout scenarios here. He is a solid acquisition. — Wyshynski
Brock Boeser, RW
Vancouver Canucks
The terms: 7 years, $7.25 million AAV
Grade: B
Where does he fit?
The Canucks faced many issues last season – underperformance, injuries, a locker room dispute that led to the trade of J.T. Miller – but a primary concern was their offense, which generated just 2.84 goals per game.
Boeser scored 40 goals in 2023-24 and 25 last season in 75 games. He isn`t the fastest skater. He won`t amaze you with highlight-reel stickhandling. There are players better at transitioning with the puck. What he does is consistently convert chances and help create them in the offensive zone, especially from high-danger areas.
He played throughout the Vancouver lineup last season, including with the much-criticized center Elias Pettersson. If Petey is to regain his form, he needs a player like Boeser. If Filip Chytil is to become an offensive force for Vancouver, he needs a player like Boeser.
This is why it seems strange that the Canucks seemingly didn`t want Boeser before signing him.
Does it make sense?
The situation between the Canucks and Boeser was genuinely peculiar. There was a significant gap in their contract negotiations, to the extent that the team attempted to trade Boeser at the deadline. Vancouver had a price in mind, but no one came close to meeting it. “If I told you what I was offered for Boeser, you wouldn`t believe me,” GM Patrick Allvin stated. As the season neared its end, Boeser was convinced he was playing his final games for the Canucks. “Honestly, it`s unlikely at this point,” he told Sportsnet. “It sucks, it`s unfortunate. I`m just trying to play good hockey, and then I`ll worry about everything after that.”
Many assumed the Wild would sign the Minnesota native, but after hesitating on the term, they chose to acquire Vladimir Tarasenko instead. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets seemed poised to pursue Boeser. But in the end, he made an unexpected return to the Canucks for 7 years and a $7.25 million average annual value.
His agent, Ben Hankinson, commented cheekily: “Really, did you expect him to sign anywhere else?”
Again, the entire situation is bizarre. Why wasn`t this resolved before July 1 so Boeser could have signed an eight-year contract to remain in Vancouver and reduce the cap hit? Why allow him to test the market?
Ultimately, the fit makes sense for the Canucks. He has overcome injury concerns and is a consistent scorer for a team that needs offense. While the behind-the-scenes culture issues in Vancouver are well-documented, Boeser is considered one of the good guys. — Wyshynski
Jake Allen, G
New Jersey Devils
The terms: 5 years, $1.8 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
Right back in a tandem with Jacob Markstrom. The Devils addressed their persistent goaltending problems dramatically in 2024, first acquiring Allen from the Montreal Canadiens and then trading for Markstrom. The positive outcome is that it worked: New Jersey`s team save percentage improved from 30th in the NHL (.886) to 11th last season (.898). Naturally, it was their previously reliable offense that faltered (20th, 2.93 goals per game), combined with significant injuries, that derailed their season.
The unexpected aspect of this goaltending solution? Allen had better regular-season numbers than Markstrom with a .908 save percentage and 18.4 goals saved above expected, ranking ninth in the NHL. Markstrom proved his value in the postseason with a .911 save percentage in the Devils` five-game loss to Carolina, but Allen contributed to getting them there.
So New Jersey will run it back with its veteran duo next season, giving its backup a contract with a minimal cap hit but substantial term.
Does it make sense?
It makes sense for the Devils in the short term, securing a consistent tandem goaltender for under $2 million against the salary cap. It provides New Jersey with continuity in goal extending beyond the final year of Markstrom`s contract next season.
Is five years excessive for a goalie who will turn 35 in August? Even with goalies playing effectively into their late 30s and little sign of decline in Allen`s game, it probably is. However, the financial terms of this deal mitigate any significant damage if Allen`s play declines.
The more noteworthy part of this is Allen`s decision to stay. He was demonstrably the best option in a free agent goaltending market that was incredibly shallow. Several teams could have utilized his services. But honestly, how much more than $9 million would Allen realistically get on, say, a three-year term? It`s somewhat comparable to Brad Marchand staying in Florida, not just because they are similar in age: the same total amount of money, simply spread out over more years. — Wyshynski
June 30
Patrick Kane, F
Detroit Red Wings
The terms: One year, $3 million AAV
Grade: B
Where does he fit?
Any team serious about their postseason aspirations understands the need for proven top-six scorers. Kane is precisely that.
He is at a stage in his career where he isn`t expected to drive play like he did as a Hart Trophy winner and perennial contender. Instead, he has transformed into a second-line winger who enhances a team`s strength.
He was fourth on the Wings with 21 goals last season, while his 29 power-play points tied for second most on the roster. Adding the fact that he was third among forwards in average ice time, it`s clear why the Red Wings were able to reach an agreement on a new deal.
Had they not, there was a strong likelihood another team would have quickly signed him, knowing that players who can score like Kane are highly sought after.
Another reason for bringing him back was imperative relates to their struggles to score goals at times last season. They finished 21st in goals per game and were in the bottom five for scoring chances per 60 minutes, high-danger scoring chances per 60, and shots per 60.
Does it make sense?
Retaining one of the team`s most consistent forwards at 36 years old was crucial for the reasons mentioned. But the greatest value the Red Wings gain from re-signing Kane might be the strategic implications.
Trading Vladimir Tarasenko earlier spoke to the Red Wings` confidence in re-signing Kane. Now, they appear to have an opening next to J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren on the Red Wings` third line.
Shedding Tarasenko`s $4.75 million contract – while signing Kane to a deal $1 million less than his salary last season – provides Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman with $17.211 million in salary cap space entering free agency, according to PuckPedia. He has several options:
They now have the space to target forwards like Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers, but could potentially find a better fit for their top nine with players such as Evgenii Dadonov, Jonathan Drouin, or Jack Roslovic.
Detroit could also be active in the top-four defenseman market, which includes Vladislav Gavrikov, Ryan Lindgren, and Dmitry Orlov.
Finally, there`s the trade route – and again, Kane`s lower contract figure compared to last season gives Yzerman extra flexibility if he wants to add salary through trades. — Clark
Brad Marchand, F
Florida Panthers
The terms: Six years, $5.25 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
Marchand has referred to himself as a rat. Of course, he`s going to remain with the franchise that has been associated with them since 1996.
Putting that aside, the Panthers clearly value everything Marchand brought to last season`s Stanley Cup champions, both on and off the ice.
After being acquired from the Bruins in a stunning trade-deadline move, Marchand recorded four points in 10 regular-season games, adjusting to life after the only franchise he had known (and being cast aside by the team he captained). But Marchand delivered exactly what GM Bill Zito wanted and more in the Panthers` Stanley Cup run: 10 goals and 10 assists in 20 games, finishing second to Sam Bennett for the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP.
Marchand saved his best performances for last: six goals in the Stanley Cup Final, including two game-winning goals. A key reason the Panthers repeated as champions was their depth. Having Marchand, arguably the second-best left wing of his era (behind Alex Ovechkin), on the team`s third line was a luxury no other team in the tournament possessed. His line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell was dominant and frequently the team`s best line during their Cup run.
He also integrated well into Florida`s culture, almost too perfectly. The Panthers were known for their combative nature and win-at-all-costs attitude. As one NHL player recently told me, they didn`t just want to beat teams; they wanted to embarrass them. Marchand embodied that spirit on the ice, from his relentless tenacity to his taunting of opponents.
But Marchand meant more to the Panthers than that. He kept things light during the most stressful times, whether it was teasing a teammate with a joke or being the target of plastic rats thrown by teammates. There was the whole Dairy Queen incident. As coach Paul Maurice noted, the Panthers needed a player as vocal and media-friendly as Marchand to alleviate pressure on some of the team`s more reserved talents, such as captain Aleksander Barkov.
The Panthers wanted Marchand back for all these reasons, but there`s another. Allowing him to hit free agency could have meant him signing with the division rival Toronto Maple Leafs, a team the Panthers admit is finally improving its postseason performance – a team that could use a player like Marchand to finally overcome the Panthers. Which, naturally, the Panthers would not allow.
Does it make sense?
Look, it`s a huge success for Zito to find a way to retain Bennett ($8 million AAV), Aaron Ekblad ($6.1 million AAV), and Marchand ($5 million AAV) for what would be Florida`s fourth consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final, a feat no team has accomplished since the New York Islanders` four straight Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983.
Critics will point to the lack of a state income tax in Florida and the financial advantages it provides in retaining talent. That is certainly a factor, but the Panthers` sustained success, team culture, and the significant investment in facilities and personnel by ownership are the primary reasons this trio re-signed.
Well, that and giving a 37-year-old player a six-year contract extension. Six years. We`ve all seen older individuals from the Northeast move to South Florida to retire, but this is somewhat extreme in the context of the NHL and player aging curves. The contract essentially disrupted advanced player assessment models, which couldn`t predict what a 43-year-old Marchand would look like at the end of this deal.
But that`s the cost of doing business with a player who was headed for a very lucrative free agency. Throughout the playoffs, there was a sense that Marchand would simply seek the largest contract from the ideal destination for him and his family, and that would be his free agency path. Some estimated his AAV on a contract from teams like Utah or Toronto could reach $10 million.
Then came the visits to Dairy Queen, the Panthers embracing him like a long-lost older brother, and a Stanley Cup celebration that might still be ongoing. He decided to give Zito the hometown discount the GM needed, and Zito went beyond the four years many – including Marchand – thought would be the term of this contract. And the Panthers will remain as frustratingly successful as they have been, driven by one of the league`s ultimate competitors.
All hail the Rat King, returning to his kingdom. — Wyshynski
Evan Bouchard, D
Edmonton Oilers
The terms: Four years, $10.5 million AAV
Grade: A
Where does he fit?
Bouchard is unquestionably one of the NHL`s top offensive defensemen. Over the past four seasons, he ranks eighth among blueliners with 40 goals and 149 assists in 245 games. He tied for fourth with 74 power-play points, quarterbacking the unit with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
He excels at moving the puck and drives play against tough competition. His shot is elite among defensemen. Some may claim he is merely a product of the elite offensive talent he plays with, but he has earned the right to share that ice with his own elite offensive game.
His defensive play has been criticized for much of his six-year NHL career, which often happens when some of your most noticeable defensive lapses go viral. The reality is that his even-strength defense is at best slightly below average and at worst not a significant liability. In any case, his offensive capabilities far outweigh his defensive concerns.
Bouchard spent much of his regular season playing alongside partners like Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman, which helps mitigate those defensive worries. But when coach Kris Knoblauch paired Bouchard with Darnell Nurse, as he did in the playoffs? Oh boy. Imagine your uncle using far too much lighter fluid on the charcoal before lighting the grill. It`s the hockey equivalent.
Does it make sense?
Some ears might have perked up seeing Bouchard sign for only four seasons. There are two ways to interpret that term, both benefiting the Oilers.
First, it was a way to keep Bouchard without severely impacting their salary cap space with an eight-year term, knowing they have a potential Connor McDavid extension (which they hope begins in 2026-27). Second, it allows them the flexibility to move on from Bouchard if, for any reason, the risk outweighs the reward in his game towards the end of the contract.
The $10.5 million AAV is $1 million more annually than Noah Dobson`s recent eight-year deal with Montreal. Considering Bouchard is arguably a demonstrably better defenseman than Dobson, this is smart business by GM Stan Bowman. Projections estimated a $10.6 million AAV on an eight-year term.
Of course, it would have been even better business if Edmonton could have signed Bouchard to an extension last summer. However, the Oilers had other contractual priorities, and Bouchard was also betting on himself to further increase his value before restricted free agency. (It should be noted his regular-season and playoff point totals decreased year over year.)
The only drawback to this contract stems from past managerial errors. Bouchard and Nurse will account for a combined $19.75 million against the cap for the next four seasons. That`s a substantial amount allocated to two defensemen, only one of whom is currently performing at a level commensurate with his salary. — Wyshynski
Ivan Provorov, D
Columbus Blue Jackets
The terms: Seven years, $8.5 million AAV
Grade: C+
Where does he fit?
The Blue Jackets have utilized Provorov in a top-four role, and given this level of investment, he needs to continue fitting there moving forward.
Provorov`s greatest value to Columbus is his ability to handle a heavy workload. The veteran averaged over 23 minutes per game last season (second most on the team) and played roles on both the power play and penalty kill. Provorov is also durable – he has played all 82 games in each of the past three seasons and just had his best year offensively in half a decade, with seven goals and 33 points.
If Provorov can continue contributing effectively in all three areas for Columbus and shoulder those significant minutes, he will be closer to earning his salary.
Does it make sense?
Well. Sort of? Provorov has clearly benefited from the fact that the Blue Jackets couldn`t afford to lose a defenseman because options on the open market were limited, especially with Aaron Ekblad off the board. They had already missed out on Noah Dobson and Rasmus Andersson.
Therefore, Columbus paid a considerable premium to retain Provorov`s services for what might be too many years. Consider that Provorov will be earning $2.4 million more per season than Ekblad on their newly signed contracts. That is remarkable on multiple levels. However, the Blue Jackets can afford it, the salary cap is rising, and as mentioned, where else were Columbus going to find a defenseman they liked and trusted?
Had Provorov left in free agency, the Blue Jackets` depth on the left side would have been Denton Mateychuk and Jake Christiansen. That would not have been sufficient for a team expecting to contend for a playoff spot next season.
The good news for Columbus is they still have around $20 million in cap space to work with, meaning there is room for further improvement. — Shilton
Aaron Ekblad, D
Florida Panthers
The terms: Eight years, $6.1 million AAV
Grade: A-
Where does he fit?
On the same defensive unit where he has played since 2014, when the Panthers drafted him first overall. The 29-year-old defenseman wanted to remain with the Panthers after winning two consecutive Stanley Cups with the only franchise he has ever known. He got his wish.
GM Bill Zito was confident the team could keep the career Panther, even with the trade acquisition Seth Jones adding $7 million to the blue line payroll. There are many reasons the team wanted Ekblad back. He has formed a formidable first pairing with Gustav Forsling during both of Florida`s Cup victories. He is a skilled puck-moving defenseman who executes the Panthers` system effectively. Ekblad recorded 33 points with an average ice time of 23:31 in 56 games last season, which was shortened by a 20-game suspension for violating the league`s performance-enhancing substances program.
He fits the lineup, he fits the system, and he is an important part of the team`s culture in terms of camaraderie and confident play. The only question was whether Zito could meet the terms Ekblad desired and if Ekblad`s demands fit into Zito`s financial framework. The answer, less than 24 hours before he was set to become an unrestricted free agent, was affirmative on both fronts.
Does it make sense?
In every possible way.
- It makes sense from a roster standpoint because it keeps the defensive corps exactly as Zito envisions it. Ekblad and Forsling are a rock-solid duo, having played over 866 minutes together at 5-on-5 in the regular season and allowing only 1.98 goals per 60 minutes. Their continued partnership should allow Jones to continue thriving as a second-pairing defenseman with Niko Mikkola – internally, the Panthers believe Jones is better suited for second-pairing matchups and minutes.
- It makes sense from a competitive standpoint because Ekblad is essentially the Sam Bennett of defensemen – good but not elite results in the regular season, but a player who elevates his game significantly in the postseason. Ekblad and Forsling went from 2.85 goals allowed per 60 minutes in the regular season to 4.02 in the playoffs while remaining defensively sound in matchups against players like Connor McDavid. Ekblad wins puck battles, plays physically, and is a solid contributor offensively.
- It makes the most sense from a financial standpoint. Prepare for more discussions about Florida`s state tax advantage, as Ekblad signed significantly below market value to stay with the Panthers. With options like Jakob Chychrun having re-signed before free agency (eight years, $72 million with Washington), Ekblad was easily the best big-name defenseman available – and one with two Stanley Cup rings.
His value as a puck-moving right-handed defenseman is clear. Projections estimated he would command a $7.7 million cap hit on a six-year term as a free agent. Zito secured him for $6.1 million annually. That`s a remarkable discount, but an understandable one for Ekblad: from the comfort of home to a great defensive partner and annual Stanley Cup contention, the Panthers offered a lot. As is often said during free agency, his priorities were met.
What keeps this grade at an A-minus instead of higher is his injury history. Ekblad has played through injuries and missed time in the past for Florida. It`s an eight-year term for a player who turns 30 next season. That`s the risk, but it`s not a huge one for the Panthers given the overall value of the deal.
And one only needs to look at the Stanley Cup and see Ekblad`s name engraved twice to understand the reward. — Wyshynski
Gareth Tenby