The Toronto Maple Leafs have significant salary cap room this offseason and could use it to upgrade their defense corps.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff, Toronto may pursue Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad in free agency.
“Plenty of people have imagined what Aaron Ekblad might look like in a Maple Leafs jersey,” Seravalli said during DailyFaceoff Live on June 24.
Ekblad just wrapped up an eight-year, $60 million contract with Florida, where he played a major role in helping the team capture consecutive Stanley Cup championships. The former No. 1 overall draft pick would bring a much-needed physical presence and winning pedigree to Toronto’s blue line.
During the 2024–25 season, Ekblad registered 3 goals and 30 assists for 33 points in 56 games, despite missing time due to a PED suspension. He added 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 19 playoff games.
What Could Ekblad Earn on the Open Market?
As one of the top names in this year’s free-agent class, Ekblad is expected to command a significant contract. Still only 29, he’s seen as a player with plenty left in the tank. Seravalli ranked him fifth overall on his free-agent list.
According to AFP Analytics, Ekblad could receive a seven-year deal worth approximately $7.8 million annually.
While Ekblad has expressed a desire to remain in Florida, his emotional comments during the team’s Cup celebrations hinted that a departure is possible.
“This is home,” Ekblad said. “I’ve been here 11 years—longer than anywhere else in my life. I want to stay. Talks are happening, but nothing is finalized. These things tend to go down to the wire.”
He also mentioned that his agent warned him not to echo teammate Sam Bennett’s on-stage declaration that he was staying, further fueling rumors that Ekblad might be moving on.
Maple Leafs Could Deal a Defenseman
Toronto already has seven defensemen signed, which makes the Ekblad speculation somewhat surprising. However, the Leafs might trade a blueliner to address other roster needs—particularly up front, where the free-agent pool is thinner.
One potential trade candidate is Brandon Carlo, who was recently added to Seravalli’s trade watch list.
“Carlo’s name has started circulating in discussions,” Seravalli noted. “He was just acquired at the deadline from Boston for a first-rounder, a fourth-rounder, and Fraser Minten. The Leafs aren’t actively shopping him—he’s a strong, affordable, in-his-prime defender. But if Toronto can flip him for a high-impact forward, they might be willing to make that move. At this point, almost nothing is off-limits for GM Brad Treliving.”
Carlo still has two years remaining on his six-year, $24.6 million contract.
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