Kent Hughes can’t wait any longer. He absolutely needs to add a TOP 4 right-handed defenseman to this team.
The door will open this summer as his sights now turn to Aaron Ekblad.
The 28-year-old right-handed defenseman, former first-round pick in 2014, Stanley Cup champion and solid leader of the Florida Panthers for 10 years, would have become Hughes’ top priority to stabilize Montreal’s defensive brigade, while waiting for young prodigy David Reinbacher is ready to become the leading defender that CH leaders are waiting for with their fingers crossed.
The context works in favor of this ambition. After signing lucrative contracts for Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe, the Panthers may no longer have the means to retain Ekblad, especially if Bill Zito, their GM, decides to prioritize the re-signing of Sam Bennett, also free of any contract. at the end of the season.
With a limited salary cap and investment priorities up front, it’s certain that Zito simply won’t be able to compete with the offers that other teams, including the Canadiens, will be willing to make for his services. of this 28-year-old veteran.
Montreal will be favorite in terms of contract offered, they who will have space like never before on the payroll.
Ekblad, despite his recurring injuries, remains one of the most respected defensemen in the NHL.
With his experience and his physical and intelligent style of play, he embodies exactly the profile that Hughes is looking for: a player capable of bringing stability to the Habs blue line while having the maturity to supervise the younger players.
And with the assured transaction of David Savard between now and the trade deadline, a prime spot will become available on the right of Montreal’s defense, which would make Ekblad such a logical addition of weight, not only to improve the blue line immediately, but also to supervise young people like Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux.
Hughes is well aware of Ekblad’s injury risks, but that could even work in his favor come trading time.
While the market might be hesitant to offer a record contract to a player with a difficult physical background, Hughes could take advantage of this situation to make a tempting offer without necessarily “breaking the bank.”
But be careful. It’s clear that the Canadian will have to invest to convince Ekblad to come to Montreal, and Hughes seems ready to do so, notably by offering him a vital mentoring role within a team in the midst of a rebuild.
The Ekblad clan would be looking for a long-term contract and 9 million per year. Can Kent Hughes lower his offer to 8 million per year?
With Quebec taxes and the fact that Ekblad comes from Florida, the lowest tax state in the United States, let’s say the chances are slim.
If Hughes wants Ekblad, he will indeed have to offer around $9 million per year. We can well say that CH is not yet far enough along in the reconstruction to invest so much in a defender who will be 29 years old.
But at some point, this room needs a veteran. And Ekblad truly becomes the perfect candidate.
Montreal fans have long waited for a defender capable of stabilizing the defense and bringing a touch of experience without exceeding thirty, and Aaron Ekblad ticks all the boxes.
CH fans deserve a real NHL defender.
The Panthers can’t keep him, Hughes will be well and truly at the top of the list to sign him, with the hope that his arrival will help solidify the Canadiens’ rearguard and pave the way for the next generation of defensemen .
Ekblad comes out of an 8-year, $7.5 million per year agreement. It’s clear that $8 million is Kent Hughes’ magic number. But is the CEO of CH really close to 1 million per year to have Ekblad in his lineup,
For his part, the defenseman remains relaxed and takes this period of uncertainty philosophically, affirming that the NHL is a business and that he understands that his time in Florida is limited.
“I’m ready to let things play out”
“I’m in no hurry to resolve his future”
Ekblad also has a trade-limiting clause, with a list of 12 teams he could deny a trade to.
This clause would not affect Hughes’ moves this summer, when he will be a free agent.
For Hughes, this situation is all the more interesting since the Panthers, who want to win a 2nd Stanley Cup, are not at all in a position to sell players, which means that there is no chance that the defender is traded, and therefore attempted to sign with a new team before July 1.
Yes, the door is wide open for Aaron Ekblad in Montreal. Kent Hughes must really believe in his chances.
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