The 2025 NHL offseason has seen significant activity, including major trades, the entry of 224 drafted prospects into the league, and numerous player re-signings.
As free agency unfolds, we are evaluating the most significant signings, assessing the player`s suitability for their new team, contract details, and other relevant factors.
This assessment will continue throughout the offseason as more deals are finalized. Check back regularly for updates; the most recent evaluations will be featured first. All contract terms are listed as average annual value (AAV).
July 1
Mikael Granlund – Anaheim Ducks
The terms: Three years, $7 million AAV
Grade: C+
Where does he fit?
Granlund is a seasoned forward known for his scoring touch, having produced effectively across his career, except perhaps during his time in Pittsburgh. He had a career-best contract year last season playing for both the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, recording 22 goals and 44 assists in 83 games, including significant power-play production (five goals, 13 assists).
He possesses the versatility to play all three forward positions. The Ducks might deploy him as a right wing in their top-six forward group, considering their existing left-wing depth with Cutter Gauthier and Chris Kreider. If used at center, it would likely be behind Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish on the third line, although his $7 million cap hit suggests a more prominent role. His immediate offensive contribution could benefit any line. He was among the top playmaking forwards available this offseason.
Does it make sense?
It seems financial considerations heavily influenced Granlund`s decision. Nonetheless, it is somewhat surprising for a veteran forward to leave both a perennial Western Conference contender like the Stars and the opportunity to play alongside top Finnish linemates Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz, in favor of a Ducks team likely still a year away from serious contention.
Dallas acquired Granlund from San Jose last season, where he put up 21 points in 31 games and added 10 points in 18 playoff games. The Stars were interested in re-signing him. Granlund, however, entered a free-agent forward market perceived as thin. Now, he joins Anaheim.
Focusing solely on the cap hit might be misleading. The Ducks have substantial salary cap flexibility for the upcoming season and even more for the second year of his contract. They were in a position to potentially overpay for a forward, and they chose Granlund. The less ideal aspect is *that* they chose Granlund given their needs.
Anaheim is aiming to improve its overall defense, and Granlund is not known for being a 200-foot player. His defensive metrics relative to his teammates in Dallas, across shot attempts and scoring chances against, were negative. While some players` offensive upside offsets defensive liabilities, it`s questionable if this is the case for Granlund. Given the Ducks` poor analytical defensive performance at 5-on-5 last season, he might not be the free agent signing they most urgently needed.
Corey Perry – Los Angeles Kings
The terms: 1 year, $2.5 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
Now approaching two decades in the league, the 40-year-old Perry still brings value to a team. He is expected to provide depth scoring as a winger for the Kings, serving as a presence in front of the net and a consistent agitator. Last season with Edmonton, he scored 19 goals and tallied 30 points in 81 games, primarily in a fourth-line role, demonstrating consistent production and resilience against age.
Perry also elevated his game in the playoffs, scoring 10 goals in 22 games. He even played alongside Connor McDavid briefly when Zach Hyman was injured, and he did not look out of place keeping pace with elite talent. Kings coach Jim Hiller will likely find a spot for Perry in the bottom six, where he can contribute energy and offensive potential.
Does it make sense?
Suggesting to the Kings 10 years ago that Perry—a player who constantly frustrated them as a Duck—would one day play alongside Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty would have seemed improbable. However, time changes perspectives.
At this stage of his career, Perry appears to be an ideal fit for Los Angeles. There will be no immense pressure on him to carry the team, but he is capable of performing. He will make the Kings a tougher opponent, particularly in the postseason, which is where L.A. aims to make a deeper run this season. Perry also seems to have a knack for joining teams that reach the Stanley Cup Final, even if they don`t win, providing him with opportunities for a championship.
Naturally, Perry alone won`t transform L.A. into a playoff powerhouse. He is part of a broader strategy. Teams that make long playoff runs understand the importance of scoring depth, leadership, and veteran experience in the spring. Perry brings all these qualities to the Kings.
The contract is also favorable for Los Angeles. Perry`s cost will not exceed $3.5 million (assuming he hits all potential bonuses in his one-year deal, which is unlikely). If he proves to be the difference-maker they hope for, it`s a significant bonus. Past rivalries aside, this partnership between Perry and the Kings appears mutually beneficial.
Nate Schmidt – Utah Mammoth
The terms: 3 years, $3.5 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
Joining the Florida Panthers seemingly revitalized Nate Schmidt`s game. He had a strong regular season and was even more effective during their Stanley Cup run, contributing three goals and 12 points in 23 playoff games. Schmidt solidified his place on the Panthers` third pairing as an excellent defender against rushes, making smart decisions with the puck and showcasing impressive playmaking abilities.
Essentially, Schmidt is a versatile defenseman who excels when placed in the right role. His performance earned him the contract offered by Utah. The Mammoth are acquiring Schmidt while he is playing at his recent peak. He can slot into their third defensive pairing, handle a reasonable workload, and contribute at even strength and on special teams. He will also serve as an experienced presence on a young team still developing its identity. While not the fastest skater, Schmidt is intelligent, confident, and experienced—a valuable combination.
Does it make sense?
Absolutely. Last season, the Mammoth were a middle-of-the-road defensive team, allowing an average of 3.01 goals against per game and lacking significant offensive punch from their blue line beyond Mikhail Sergachev`s 53 points. Schmidt is expected to help improve the overall defensive group. He represents an upgrade over Ian Cole and can offer greater offensive upside than Juuso Valimaki, which are all positive developments for the Mammoth.
If Utah can utilize Schmidt effectively in a sheltered role, he should bring valuable Cup-winning pedigree and consistent performance that enhances the team`s defense.
Ryan Lindgren – Seattle Kraken
The terms: 4 years, $4.5 million AAV
Grade: B
Where does he fit?
Lindgren appears to be a part of Seattle`s broader strategy focused on addressing the defensive inconsistencies that plagued the Kraken throughout the 2024-25 season.
Metrics indicate that last season, they ranked among the bottom 10 teams in allowing the most scoring chances, shots, and high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. Their penalty kill also ranked 21st, operating at a 77.2% success rate.
Last season, split between the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche, Lindgren recorded four goals and a career-high 22 points in 72 games. While he has some offensive capability, Seattle`s interest, like that of other potential suitors, primarily centers on his defensive contributions.
His addition bolsters the Kraken`s top-six defensive group, which already includes Vince Dunn, Ryker Evans, Adam Larsson, Brandon Montour, and Jamie Oleksiak, with Josh Mahura potentially serving as the seventh defenseman. Lindgren`s arrival provides flexibility; he could play as a top-four or fifth defenseman and is well-suited for a significant role on the penalty kill, having logged over 127 short-handed minutes in each of his six full NHL campaigns.
Does it make sense?
Lindgren introduces a new dimension to the Kraken lineup. Alongside two-way center Frederick Gaudreau, his signing reinforces General Manager Jason Botterill`s stated objective of improving the team`s defensive consistency. While he clearly has a role in Seattle, his exact placement within the defensive structure is a point of discussion.
Dunn and Larsson have generally functioned as the top pairing, offering a balance of a puck-moving defenseman paired with a physical, stay-at-home type, with a left-handed shot alongside a right-handed shot. If this partnership remains intact, the second pairing becomes the next option. Montour provides another puck-moving right-handed shot on the second pairing, creating a potential need for a complementary stay-at-home defenseman with a left-handed shot.
However, is that player Lindgren or Oleksiak? Regardless of who fills that role, paying a potential fifth defenseman around or slightly over $4.5 million annually warrants consideration. This is especially true given other financial obligations.
The team needs to finalize a contract for pending restricted free agent Evans and anticipate future contracts for RFAs like Kaapo Kakko and Tye Kartye. PuckPedia estimates Seattle will have about $13.557 million in remaining cap space. This money will be needed for their RFA class, and creating additional cap space may necessitate a trade.
Vladislav Gavrikov – New York Rangers
The terms: 7 years, $7 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
This signing serves as a significant boost for Adam Fox. The Rangers` premier defenseman saw his production slightly decrease last season (61 points in 74 games), partly due to injuries and the team`s overall inconsistent performance, but also because he struggled to find a suitable long-term partner on the top pairing. His pairing with long-time partner Ryan Lindgren (traded to Colorado) didn`t generate enough offense. His partnership with K`Andre Miller was more successful, but the Rangers ultimately traded the restricted free agent to Carolina.
Enter Vladislav Gavrikov, a genuine top-pairing shutdown defenseman. He creates a left-right combination with Fox, providing Fox with a stay-at-home partner similar to what he had with Lindgren, which should allow him to take more offensive risks. Gavrikov had a very solid season with the Los Angeles Kings last year, averaging the most minutes of his career (23:05) and consistently facing tough opponents. His pairing with Mikey Anderson allowed just 1.61 goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. While not overly physical, he is an underrated skater and plays intelligently in his own end. He also avoided taking many penalties, ranking 12th on the Kings in penalty minutes per game in 82 appearances.
Does it make sense?
He addresses a critical need for the Rangers, both in supporting Fox and adding veteran defensive depth to a defense corps undergoing transition. The 29-year-old is coming off an excellent season with the Kings and is in his prime. Beyond his defensive skills, he also contributed 30 points last season.
Gavrikov has prior experience with two current Rangers players, having played alongside Artemi Panarin in Columbus and Igor Shesterkin in the KHL.
The contract`s $7 million annual value is $1.5 million less per year than Ivan Provorov`s new deal with Columbus, yet their impact levels are relatively close. The deal is front-loaded with $25.2 million in bonus money over the first five seasons, a structure the Rangers likely hope won`t necessitate buyout considerations later. Overall, he is a solid addition.
Brock Boeser – Vancouver Canucks
The terms: 7 years, $7.25 million AAV
Grade: B
Where does he fit?
Last season, the Canucks faced numerous challenges, including underperformance, injuries, and internal issues that led to the J.T. Miller trade. A primary concern was their offense, which generated just 2.84 goals per game.
Boeser scored 40 goals in 2023-24 and followed up with 25 goals in 75 games last season. He isn`t the fastest player, won`t dazzle with individual stickhandling highlights, and other players might be better in transition. However, he consistently converts scoring opportunities and helps create chances in the offensive zone, particularly from high-danger areas.
He played across the Vancouver lineup last season, including time with the often-criticized center Elias Pettersson. If Pettersson is to rediscover his top form, he needs a player like Boeser. Similarly, if Filip Chytil is expected to be an offensive threat for Vancouver, he could benefit from playing with Boeser.
Given his value, it`s somewhat peculiar that the Canucks appeared hesitant about retaining Boeser before ultimately signing him.
Does it make sense?
The situation between the Canucks and Boeser was truly strange. There was a significant disparity in their contract negotiations, leading the team to attempt trading Boeser at the deadline. Vancouver had a specific asking price, but no team met it. General Manager Patrick Allvin commented on the low offers he received. As the season concluded, Boeser himself seemed convinced he was playing his final games for the team, stating it was “unlikely” he`d re-sign.
Many observers expected the Minnesota native to sign with the Wild, but they reportedly balked at the contract term and opted for Vladimir Tarasenko instead. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets seemed poised to pursue Boeser. Yet, unexpectedly, he returned to the Canucks on a seven-year deal worth $7.25 million annually.
His agent playfully remarked, “Really, did you expect him to sign anywhere else?”
The whole saga remains bizarre. Why didn`t they sort this out before July 1, allowing Boeser to sign an eight-year deal in Vancouver and potentially lower the average annual cap hit? Why let him test the market at all?
Ultimately, the fit with the Canucks is logical. Boeser has seemingly overcome past injury concerns and provides consistent scoring for a team that needs it. While Vancouver`s off-ice culture challenges have been widely reported, Boeser is considered a positive presence.
Jake Allen – New Jersey Devils
The terms: 5 years, $1.8 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
Right back in a tandem role with Jacob Markstrom. The Devils dramatically addressed their long-standing goaltending issues in 2024, first acquiring Allen from Montreal and then trading for Markstrom. This strategy proved effective: New Jersey`s team save percentage improved from 30th in the NHL (.886) to 11th (.898) last season. Ironically, their previously reliable offense became inconsistent (20th, 2.93 goals per game), combining with significant injuries to derail their season.
The surprising element of this goaltending fix was that Allen posted better regular-season numbers than Markstrom, with a .908 save percentage and 18.4 goals saved above expected, ranking him ninth in the league. Markstrom performed well in the postseason with a .911 save percentage in their five-game loss to Carolina, but Allen played a key role in getting them there.
So, New Jersey retains their veteran duo for next season, signing their backup to a contract with a low cap hit but notable term.
Does it make sense?
For the Devils, it makes sense in the short term, securing a consistent tandem goaltender for less than $2 million against the salary cap. It also provides goaltending continuity beyond the final year of Markstrom`s contract next season.
Is five years too long for a goalie who turns 35 in August? Despite goalies playing effectively into their late 30s and Allen showing little recent decline, it likely is. However, the favorable financial terms mitigate the risk if Allen`s performance declines. The more remarkable aspect is Allen`s decision to stay. He was arguably the best option in a very limited free-agent goaltending market, and several teams could have used his services. But realistically, how much more than $9 million would Allen earn on, say, a three-year deal elsewhere? This contract seems like opting for the same total money spread over a longer period.
June 30
Patrick Kane – Detroit Red Wings
The terms: One year, $3 million AAV
Grade: B
Where does he fit?
Teams with serious postseason aspirations understand the necessity of proven top-six scorers. Kane precisely fits this description.
At this stage of his career, he is not expected to drive play single-handedly as he did as a Hart Trophy winner and perennial candidate. Instead, he has successfully transitioned into a second-line winger who enhances a team`s offensive strength. Last season, he finished fourth on the Red Wings with 21 goals, and his 29 power-play points were tied for second-highest on the roster. His significant average ice time among forwards further highlights his importance, underscoring why the Red Wings sought a new agreement.
If they hadn`t re-signed him, it`s highly probable another team would have quickly done so, recognizing the demand for players with Kane`s scoring ability. Retaining him was also crucial because the Red Wings struggled offensively at times last season, finishing 21st in goals per game. They also ranked in the bottom five for scoring chances, high-danger scoring chances, and shots per 60 minutes.
Does it make sense?
Bringing back one of the team`s most consistent forwards, even at 36, was vital for the reasons mentioned. However, the greatest value in re-signing Kane might lie in the financial flexibility it provides. Trading Vladimir Tarasenko earlier signaled the Red Wings` confidence in re-signing Kane. Now, they appear to have an opening potentially alongside J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren on the third line.
Moving Tarasenko`s $4.75 million contract and signing Kane to a deal $1 million less than his previous one gives GM Steve Yzerman approximately $17.211 million in cap space heading into free agency. This opens up several possibilities:
- They have space to target prominent forwards like Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers, or potentially find strong fits 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 players like Vladislav Gavrikov, Ryan Lindgren, and Dmitry Orlov.
- Finally, the trade route is available. Kane`s lower contract value compared to last season provides Yzerman with additional flexibility if he wants to acquire salary through trades.
Brad Marchand – Florida Panthers
The terms: Six years, $5.25 million AAV
Grade: B+
Where does he fit?
Marchand, who has referred to himself as a “rat,” naturally chose to remain with the franchise that has embraced that moniker since 1996. Beyond that, the Panthers clearly value everything Marchand contributed to their Stanley Cup championship last season, both on and off the ice.
Acquired from the Bruins in a surprising trade-deadline move, Marchand registered four points in 10 regular-season games while adjusting to his new team after leaving the only franchise he`d ever known and being traded by the team he captained. However, Marchand was everything GM Bill Zito hoped for and more during the Panthers` Cup run: 10 goals and 10 assists in 20 games, finishing second to Sam Bennett for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Marchand saved his best for the Stanley Cup Final, scoring six goals, including two game-winners. A key factor in the Panthers` championship repeat was their depth. Having Marchand, arguably the second-best left winger of his era (behind Alex Ovechkin), on the team`s third line was a luxury no other team in the playoffs possessed. His line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell was dominant and frequently the team`s best line throughout their playoff run.
He also perfectly fit Florida`s culture. The Panthers were known for their antagonistic and win-at-all-costs mentality. As one NHL player recently noted, they didn`t just want to beat teams—they wanted to embarrass them. Marchand embodied this spirit on the ice through his relentless tenacity and penchant for mocking opponents.
But Marchand`s impact on the Panthers was deeper. He helped maintain a relaxed atmosphere during tense moments, whether by joking with teammates or being the target of plastic rats thrown by them. His antics, like the Dairy Queen incident, added to the team`s character. Coach Paul Maurice pointed out that the Panthers needed a vocal, media-friendly player like Marchand to deflect pressure from quieter talents like captain Aleksander Barkov.
The Panthers aimed to bring Marchand back for all these reasons, but there`s one more: allowing him to leave in free agency could have meant seeing him sign with the division rival Toronto Maple Leafs, a team the Panthers acknowledge is finally improving its postseason performance—a team that could use a player like Marchand to finally get past Florida. Naturally, the Panthers would not allow this.
Does it make sense?
It`s a significant achievement for Zito to manage the re-signings of Bennett ($8 million AAV), Aaron Ekblad ($6.1 million AAV), and Marchand ($5.25 million AAV) as Florida prepares for what could be their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, a feat only achieved by the New York Islanders from 1980 to 1983.
Critics will point to Florida`s lack of a state income tax and the financial advantages it provides in retaining talent. While that`s a factor, the Panthers` sustained success, team culture, and significant investment from ownership also played crucial roles in these players re-signing. Additionally, offering a 37-year-old player a six-year contract extension is notable. Six years! While many older individuals from the Northeast move to South Florida to retire, this term is quite lengthy in the context of NHL aging curves. It`s noted that the contract term challenged player assessment models due to projecting a player into their mid-40s.
However, this is the price for securing a player who was poised for a very lucrative free agency. During the playoffs, there was a perception that Marchand would simply seek the largest contract from a suitable destination for his family. Some estimates placed his potential AAV on a contract from teams like Utah or Toronto potentially exceeding $10 million.
Then came the team camaraderie, the Panthers embracing him, and a prolonged Stanley Cup celebration. He reportedly provided a significant “hometown discount,” and Zito went beyond the four years many—including Marchand—expected for the term. The Panthers are set to remain a frustratingly successful team, driven by one of the league`s ultimate competitors.
All hail the Rat King, returning to his domain.
Evan Bouchard – Edmonton Oilers
The terms: Four years, $10.5 million AAV
Grade: A
Where does he fit?
Bouchard is undeniably one of the NHL`s premier offensive defensemen. Over the last four seasons, he ranks eighth among defensemen with 40 goals and 149 assists in 245 games. He was tied for fourth with 74 power-play points, quarterbacking the unit featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
He excels at moving the puck and driving play against tough competition. His shot is elite among defensemen. While some might attribute his success to playing alongside elite offensive talent, he has earned that opportunity through his own high-level offensive game. His defensive play has often been criticized throughout his six-year career, particularly when lapses become highlight reels. However, his even-strength defense is, at worst, slightly below average and not consistently a major liability. In any case, his significant offensive capabilities far outweigh his defensive concerns.
Bouchard spent much of the regular season playing alongside defensemen like Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman, which helped mitigate defensive worries. But when coach Kris Knoblauch paired Bouchard with Darnell Nurse, as he did in the playoffs, the combination could be volatile, leading to unpredictable results.
Does it make sense?
Some might have been surprised by Bouchard signing for only four seasons. This term benefits the Oilers in two ways. Firstly, it allowed them to retain Bouchard without significantly hindering their salary cap space with an eight-year deal, especially considering they hope to sign Connor McDavid to an extension for the 2026-27 season. Secondly, it provides the flexibility to move on from Bouchard after four years if, for any reason, the risk associated with his game outweighs the reward.
The $10.5 million AAV is $1 million more annually than Noah Dobson`s recent eight-year deal with Montreal. Given that Bouchard is arguably a demonstrably better offensive defenseman than Dobson, this represents good business for GM Stan Bowman. Player projection models had predicted an AAV of around $10.6 million on an eight-year term. Of course, it would have been even more advantageous for Edmonton if they could have signed Bouchard to an extension last summer. However, the Oilers had other contract priorities, and Bouchard also seemed to be betting on increasing his value as a restricted free agent (though his regular-season and playoff point totals did decrease year over year).
The only potential downside to this contract relates to past management decisions. Bouchard and Nurse will collectively account for $19.75 million against the cap for the next four seasons. This is a substantial amount allocated to two defensemen, and only one of them is arguably worth his current cap hit at the moment.
Ivan Provorov – 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 defensive role, and given the significant investment in this contract, he needs to consistently perform at that level moving forward. Provorov`s main value to Columbus is his ability to handle a substantial workload. Last season, the veteran defenseman averaged over 23 minutes per game (second-highest on the team) and played key roles on both the power play and penalty kill. Provorov is also known for his durability, having played all 82 games in the past three seasons. Last year, he recorded seven goals and 33 points, marking his best offensive output in five years.
If Provorov can continue contributing across all three game situations and shoulder major minutes for Columbus, he will come closer to justifying his contract value.
Does it make sense?
Well, somewhat? Provorov clearly benefited from the fact that the Blue Jackets were in a difficult position to lose a defenseman, as the market for viable defensive options in free agency is limited, especially with Aaron Ekblad already re-signed. They had already missed out on targets like Noah Dobson and Rasmus Andersson.
Consequently, Columbus paid a significant premium to secure Provorov`s services for what many might consider too many years. For perspective, Provorov`s new contract pays him $2.4 million more per season than Ekblad`s recent deal. This disparity is surprising on several levels. However, the Blue Jackets have the salary cap space, the cap is increasing, and as noted, where else could Columbus find a defenseman they liked and had some confidence in?
Had Provorov departed in free agency, the Blue Jackets` depth on the left side would have been thin, potentially relying on prospects like Denton Mateychuk and Jake Christiansen. That situation would not be ideal for a team aiming to return to the playoff picture next season. The positive aspect for Columbus is that they still have approximately $20 million in cap space to work with. This leaves room for further roster improvements.
Aaron Ekblad – 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 being the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft. The 29-year-old defenseman expressed a desire to remain with the Panthers after winning two consecutive Stanley Cups with the only franchise he has ever known. He got his wish. General Manager Bill Zito had been confident the team could retain the long-time Panther, even after adding Seth Jones` $7 million cap hit to the blue line via trade. There are numerous reasons the team wanted Ekblad back. He has formed a formidable top pairing with Gustav Forsling during both of Florida`s championship runs. He is a skilled puck-moving defenseman who fits the Panthers` system well. Last season, Ekblad recorded 33 points while averaging 23:31 of ice time in 56 games, a season that was shortened by a 20-game suspension for violating the league`s performance-enhancing substances policy.
He fits the lineup, the system, and is a crucial part of the team`s culture, contributing to both camaraderie and the team`s confident playing style. The primary question was whether Zito could meet Ekblad`s contract expectations and if Ekblad`s desired terms would fit within Zito`s financial framework. The answer, just under 24 hours before Ekblad was set to become an unrestricted free agent, was affirmative on both counts.
Does it make sense?
In almost every regard.
- From a roster perspective, it makes sense because it maintains the defensive corps exactly as Zito envisions it. Ekblad and Forsling constitute a 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 thrive as a second-pairing defenseman alongside Niko Mikkola—the Panthers internally believe Jones is better suited for second-pairing matchups and minutes.
- Competitively, it makes sense because Ekblad is essentially the defensive equivalent of Sam Bennett—good, though not elite, regular-season results, but a player whose game significantly elevates in the postseason. Ekblad and Forsling saw their goals-for rate increase from 2.85 per 60 minutes in the regular season to 4.02 in the playoffs while remaining defensively sound against opponents like Connor McDavid. Ekblad wins puck battles, plays with physicality, and is a valuable contributor offensively.
- Financially, it makes the most sense for Florida. Prepare for renewed discussion about the state`s tax advantages, as Ekblad signed significantly below market value to stay with the Panthers. With other options like Jakob Chychrun (who re-signed with Washington for eight years, $72 million) off the market before free agency, Ekblad was easily the most prominent big-name defenseman available, and he comes with two Stanley Cup rings.
His value as a puck-moving, right-handed defenseman is clear. Player projection models had predicted a $7.7 million cap hit on a six-year term for him in free agency. Zito secured him for $6.1 million annually. This is a remarkable discount, but one understandable for Ekblad, who benefited from the comforts of home, a strong defensive partner, and annual opportunities for Stanley Cup contention. As is often noted during free agency, his underlying metrics are strong.
What prevents this grade from being higher than an A-minus is the concern about durability. Ekblad has dealt with injuries and missed time in the past. This is an eight-year term for a player who will be 30 next season. That represents a risk, but given the overall value of the deal, it is not an excessive risk for the Panthers. And ultimately, one needs only look at the Stanley Cup to see Ekblad`s name listed twice to understand the reward.
