Stars Predicted to Land Panthers All-Star in Massive Offseason Move
Stars Predicted to Land Panthers All-Star in Massive Offseason Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Florida Panthers continue their quest for a second straight Stanley Cup title, the entire organization is locked in. But the front office also has a small part of its focus on the upcoming offseason.
Advertisement
Florida is gearing up to have a few key, crucial players hit free agency, with center Sam Bennetter and defenseman Aaron Ekblad being the main ones. The Panthers will likely try to retain both players, but anytime a player hits free agency, anything can happen.
Bennett seems more likely to stay with the Panthers, but Ekblad remains a wild card. There have been reports about Florida potentially allowing him to test the market, which could open the chance of him leaving.
One team that could make sense for the Panthers' defenseman is the Dallas Stars. Dallas lost in the Western Conference Final once again and could be looking to make a splash this offseason.
NHL insider Mark Lazerus of The Athletic linked the two sides together, naming Ekblad as a target for the Stars this summer.
Advertisement
"Miro Heiskanen is capable of playing on his off side; he's been doing it for years. But the Stars could use a good right-handed shot, and Ekblad fits the bill. He could slot in alongside Thomas Harley or Esa Lindell and give Dallas a terrific top four. But making the money work will be difficult, especially if Jim Nill plans to re-sign Matt Duchene and captain Jamie Benn," Lazerus wrote.
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) celebrates a goal with center Sam Bennett (9) in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at FLA Live Arena. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Ekblad scored three goals and 30 assists for the Panthers over 56 games this season. While his numbers were a little down, his impact on the team can't be overstated.
The veteran has provided a massive boost to the team during the playoffs, scoring four goals and eight assists over 18 games. If he were to sign with the Stars, it could give this team a better chance to finally get over the hump.
Advertisement
Related: Golden Knights Make Big Jack Eichel Announcement on Monday
Related: Maple Leafs Interested in Rival All-Star Amid Mitch Marner Uncertainty
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Gilgeous-Alexander supports Williams with 31 points, 10 assists to put Thunder 1 win from NBA title
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does up to score against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots around Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Matthew Stockman/Pool Photo via AP) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots around Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Matthew Stockman/Pool Photo via AP) Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does up to score against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots around Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Matthew Stockman/Pool Photo via AP) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the NBA's Most Valuable Player this season primarily by being a dominant scorer. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, he showed he's pretty good as a more traditional point guard, too. He had 31 points and 10 assists in a secondary role to Jalen Williams as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-109 on Monday night. The Thunder took a 3-2 lead in the series and now are a win short of their first NBA title. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander was the league's scoring champion this season, and he has led the team in scoring in all but four playoff games. Even when Williams has had breakout performances, they've largely been secondary to Gilgeous-Alexander's gaudy numbers. Not this time. Williams scored a career playoff-high 40 points, so Gilgeous-Alexander didn't need to force things against Indiana's constant double-teams. Gilgeous-Alexander still produced big numbers, going 9 for 21 from the field and making 13 of 14 free throws. But he was thrilled that Williams took the lead role. 'He can shoulder a load,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'I've said this before — he does so many things for us as a basketball team on both ends of the floor when he's the best version of himself ... he was great tonight. Makes a world of a difference when he's that good, for sure.' Advertisement It makes sense that Indiana paid extra attention to Gilgeous-Alexander, who joined Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan on Monday as the only players with 15 or more games with at least 30 points in a postseason. But Williams solved Indiana's defense again in his third straight game with at least 26 points. And when the Pacers tried to rally in the fourth quarter, Williams scored 11 points in the final period and Gilgeous-Alexander had nine points and four assists. 'Thought those guys played really well in the two-man game,' Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. 'Controlled the clock, controlled the game down the stretch, paced us ahead of them.' It's all part of Gilgeous-Alexander's master plan. After last season's loss to Dallas in the Western Conference semifinals, Gilgeous-Alexander talked about stepping back a bit at times to help his teammates develop so they could be ready to help him at critical times. Advertisement It all clicked for Williams at just the right time. He made 14 of 25 field goals and 9 of 12 free throws on Monday night. He said he's thankful to be in a position where his teammates want him to succeed. 'I'm just in a really, really good situation that's allowed me to grow as a player at a more rapid rate because I'm not worried about what if I fail,' he said. 'I know I have guys that pick me up when I fall short. I try and do the same thing for them. I think our team chemistry's something that's got us here, kept us strong.' Gilgeous-Alexander believes Williams has great games ahead. He hopes the next one is in Game 6 in Indianapolis. 'I'm not surprised by his performance tonight' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'Like, the kid works super hard. He has the right intentions. He deserves this moment. Now with that being said, we got one more game to win, and I know he's not satisfied by this performance.' ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ohtani makes first pitching performance since 2023
Shohei Ohtani returns to the pitching mound for the first time in 22 months in the Los Angeles Dodgers' divisional clash against the San Diego Padres (RONALD MARTINEZ) Shohei Ohtani made a trouble-free return to the pitching mound after a near two-year absence on Monday in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player had not pitched since August 2023 when he played for the Los Angeles Angels. Advertisement He tore elbow ligaments in his last pitching outing, which required surgery, although he was still able to bat after joining the Dodgers on a 10-year $700 million contract in December 2023. On Monday Ohtani pitched the first inning, taking to the field to a rousing ovation at Dodger Stadium before hurling 28 pitches, 16 of them strikes. Though Ohtani's command fluctuated, there were glimpses of his intimidating velocity, with one pitch topping 100 miles (160 km) per hour. "First of all I'm very grateful for all the staff members and people who supported me throughout the whole process," the 30-year-old from Japan said through an interpreter. Advertisement "I'm very grateful that I'm back here healthy and pitching again. "I was not quite happy with the results, but there was a lot that I was able to take away from today's game." Ohtani is widely regarded as a modern-day Babe Ruth, a rarity in baseball in that he combines elite hitting and pitching. Last year he became the first player in history to score 50 home runs and nab 50 stolen bases in a season -- a statistical feat once regarded as unthinkable -- before playing a key role in the Dodgers' World Series victory. Ohtani is well on the way to another stellar offensive season this year, scoring 25 home runs to date to help the Dodgers to the top of the National League West division. Advertisement Yet anticipation about when he may return to pitching has grown steadily, with Ohtani seen testing his throwing arm in recent practise sessions, before manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday's start on Sunday. rcw/pst
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
JDub's 40 bomb, OKC takes control, Bane to Orlando, Ja's future, & KD's trade list
Kevin O'Connor and Dan Titus offer their instant reaction fresh off Jalen Williams helping the OKC Thunder grab a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals. KOC explains why he thinks it's over come Thursday night, and why he expects it to be a blowout! Then the guys react to the Desmond Bane trade that sent him to the Orlando Magic — was it an overbuy or not? And on the Grizzlies side of things, Kevin stands his ground on the take that Ja Morant is a "good, not great" NBA player. Top 40-50 is what Kevin says, AND he's got the list of players he considers to be ahead of Ja... wait til you see some of the names. And of course, the absolute latest on Kevin Durant trade rumors, and some NBA Draft chatter, too! Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by) (Photo by) (0:32) NBA Finals Game 5 reaction Advertisement (17:02) Latest KD trade rumors (36:34) Magic trade for Desmond Bane (40:41) Is Ja Morant even a top 40 NBA player? 🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
