6'4", 220-Pound Superstar Defenseman Becomes Viable Option for the Leafs in Free Agency

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad is one of the best in the league, and while he was suspended for PEDs earlier this year, he remains a hot commodity.

Through 16 playoff games, Ekblad has 12 points. Furthermore, he averages over half a point per game during the regular season, and also brings the boom on defense.

At 6'4", 220 pounds, he is a sturdy player, and any team would be lucky to have him. Luckily for the rest of the league, he might just be available in free agency.

The Panthers have just $19 million in cap space for four unrestricted free agents. This includes Ekblad, Sam Bennett, Nate Schmidt, and Brad Marchand. As you can imagine, someone here has to go, and the Leafs could swoop in to get themselves a stud defenseman.

One issue: Ekblad doesn't want to leave Florida. According to reporter Luke Fox, Ekblad has made it clear just how much he wants to stay in the South.

Of course, Ekblad is 29 years old and is going to want a long-term deal that is worth close to $8 million per season, or maybe just a bit less.

This would be a hard pill for the Leafs to swallow, especially since their priority is going to be offense, and replacing the eventual departure of Mitch Marner.

From a pure hockey perspective, the Leafs would love a guy like Ekblad. He is big, plays physically, and puts points on the board. That is what coaches love in a defenseman.

For now, however, the Toronto Maple Leafs will just have to be patient for July 1st and wait for the market conditions to play out.