The Detroit Red Wings are expected to take an aggressive approach this offseason, and one bold prediction is that they’ll land a former first-overall pick in free agency.
On PuckPedia, where users can create hypothetical trades and signings, one fan projected that Detroit will sign Florida Panthers star defenseman Aaron Ekblad to a seven-year contract worth $10 million annually.
Ekblad is in the final year of his eight-year, $60 million deal with Florida. While a $10 million per year salary would be a significant raise—and potentially seen as an overpayment—it might be what’s necessary to convince Ekblad to leave the Panthers and join the Red Wings.
If Detroit were to sign Ekblad, he’d provide an immediate upgrade to their blue line, likely forming a top defensive pairing with Moritz Seider. He’d also bring valuable Stanley Cup-winning experience to help mentor the team’s young defense corps.
This season, Ekblad has registered 3 goals and 30 assists for 33 points over 56 games. He was originally drafted first overall in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Ekblad Suspended 20 Games
Florida will be without Aaron Ekblad for the rest of the regular season and the first two games of the playoffs, as he’s been suspended 20 games without pay for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
In a statement released through the NHL Players’ Association, Ekblad addressed the situation.
“As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. I was shocked to learn that I had failed a random drug test,” Ekblad said. “In the end, I made a mistake by taking something to aid my recovery from recent injuries without first consulting the appropriate medical staff or team personnel.
“I’ve let down my teammates, the Panthers organization, and our incredible fans. For that, I am deeply sorry. I take full responsibility for my actions and will be ready to rejoin my team when my suspension is over. This has been a tough lesson, but I’m eager to get back on the ice with my teammates.”
It remains to be seen how Ekblad’s suspension might affect his upcoming free agency. However, a strong playoff performance—especially if he helps lead the Panthers to another Stanley Cup—could boost his value on the open market.
Red Wings Push for Playoff Spot
Before turning their attention to free agency, the Detroit Red Wings are focused on making a push for the playoffs.
General Manager Steve Yzerman expressed his excitement about the team’s postseason chase.
“It’s shaping up to be an incredibly exciting playoff race from where we’re sitting,” Yzerman said. “I think it’s going to be a great battle, and I’m hopeful we can stay in the mix for one of those Wild Card spots. The NHL has had an outstanding season so far. There’s a lot of excitement, especially with the moves made in the East, and it’s going to be really interesting to watch.”
Regardless of whether Detroit punches their ticket to the playoffs or not, Yzerman has made it clear he’s committed to improving the roster this offseason through both free agency and the draft.
“I’m going to keep doing what I believe is best—whether that’s at the trade deadline, during the summer, or at the draft,” Yzerman said. “I want to make the playoffs. I want to win a Stanley Cup as much as anyone in this city. I take full responsibility for where we are right now. I’ll continue making the best decisions I can for the team—both short-term and long-term. It’s not about what’s best for me, it’s about what’s best for this organization.”
The Red Wings currently hold a 31-29-6 record and are four points back of a playoff spot.
