Blue Jackets Predicted to Land Panthers Star in Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Florida Panthers enter the offseason, the team could be looking at some tough decisions to retain some players. Florida has a few key players entering free agency, and it could see the roster look a little different next year.
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The two-time Stanley Cup champions will have a lot of competition to retain players this summer. Players such as center Sam Bennett, forward Brad Marchand, and defenseman Aaron Ekblad are all entering free agency this offseason.
Bennett has been reported to be staying; in all likelihood, Marchand remains a wild-card, and Ekblad could be the lone man out. Florida may only be able to keep two of the three players, opening the door for opposing teams.
Ekblad has been solid for the Panthers, but there have been rumors that Florida may allow him to test the open market. And there could be some teams that jump on that opportunity.
NHL insider Aaron Portzline of The Athletic linked the Columbus Blue Jackets with Ekblad in free agency.
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“The Blue Jackets want to bolster their blue line, and the right side needs the most help. Ekblad would be a perfect fit, whether he pairs with Werenski on the top pair or with youngster Denton Mateychuk on the second pair. The right side has been a sore spot since Seth Jones was traded to Chicago, but Ekblad could help give the Jackets two major minute-munchers, one on each side,” Portzline wrote.
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand (63) celebrates scoring wtih defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) during the first period against the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers…Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Adding a player like Ekblad to this Blue Jackets group could help them get back to the postseason. Columbus battled all year long but fell just short of reaching the playoffs.
Ekblad was key for the Panthers during the playoffs, scoring four goals and nine assists over 19 games. The veteran defenseman would bring plenty of playoff experience to Columbus and could be one of the missing pieces to this Blue Jackets team.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.