NHL scouts expose serious concerns about Aaron Ekblad ahead of free agency

Aaron Ekblad just helped the Florida Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cups . He played big minutes and looked solid on defense. But now, with free agency coming up, some experts are raising questions. Will Aaron Ekblad’s body hold up for another long contract? And how much is he really worth as he gets older?


Aaron Ekblad’s injuries and age raise concerns among NHL scouts

On June 20, 2025, NHL insider Chris Johnston wrote in The Athletic that Aaron Ekblad is seen as a “polarizing player” by many NHL scouts. Johnston said some teams love what Ekblad brings when healthy. However, some doubt his future, notably given his past of wounds and age. At 28 years old, Aaron Ekblad will be 29 next season.

Aaron Ekblad will most likely NOT Return to the Florida Panthers next season. This video definitely seemed like his goodbye message at E11even in Miami. Where other players are getting hyped he gets emotional. source: FadeTheZamboni#nhl #panthers #ekblad #cup pic.twitter.com/ZPKLL43duS

— FadetheZamboni (@FadetheZamboni) June 20, 2025

Since 2018–19, he hasn't played a whole NHL campaign. Last season, he missed time due to injury and was suspended for violating the NHL’s performance-enhancing drug rules. He only played in 56 regular season games during the 2024–25 season. In 2023–24, he played just 51 games after shoulder surgery the previous summer.

Aaron Ekblad came back in April 2025 during the first-round playoff series of the Panthers versus the Tampa Bay Lightning notwithstanding everything else. Right away he demonstrated his worth by skating on the top pairing adjacent to Gustav Forsling. In 19 playoff games, he had four goals and nine assists while averaging nearly 24 minutes of ice time per game.


Aaron Ekblad could take pay cut to stay or test free agency market

Aaron Ekblad's most recent contract with Florida ran for eight years at $60 million, or $7. 5 million annually. Signed before the 2017–18 campaign.Now that his deal is ending, the Panthers are reportedly hoping he’ll accept less money to stay.

Also Read: Aaron Ekblad’s High-Stakes Comeback Could Decide Panthers Fate Against Maple Leafs

NHL Network’s David Pagnotta reported that the Panthers want to re-sign Ekblad for around $6–7 million per season. That would allow the team additional room to hold other important players like Sam Bennett, who is also a free agent. Aaron Ekblad's intentions are unknown right now.

He is still marking Florida's second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, which was on June 17, 2025. If he chooses to test free agency in July, other teams will have to decide if he’s worth the risk. Aaron Ekblad’s playoff success is clear but his injury history may make teams pause.