"Every player has to chase the money": Panthers' Aaron Ekblad doesn't mince his words about players leaving in free agency

In an interview with TSN on Tuesday, Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad expressed his sentiments regarding players leaving during free agency. Ekblad openly acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his teammates' departure, but also noted that it was important for them to chase better opportunities in their careers.

Ekblad expressed that while they would have preferred to keep some players, he understood their decision. He commended them for pursuing what they needed to do while emphasizing the team's dedication to working hard and getting back to their best form.

“Every player has to chase the money at some point in their career, it’s really important," said Ekblad. "Obviously we would have liked to have some of those guys back in order to run it back, but we reached our ultimate goal. Kudos to them for going and doing what they need to do but we’ll be working and grinding [here] waiting to get back and do what we do best.”

The Panthers will enter the upcoming season with significant changes in their roster. The team saw the departure of Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan Lomberg and Kevin Stenlund.

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Aaron Ekblad reflects on missing games due to injury

NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Edmonton Oilers at Florida Panthers - Source: Imagn

In June 2023, it was announced that Ekblad would undergo shoulder surgery, which resulted in him missing the first 16 games of the season. This year, he reckons that both he and the team are better prepared.

“Last year, it was a lot harder with the surgery,” said Ekblad (via TSN). “I had to wear a walking boot and a sling to Sam Reinhart’s wedding and Jack Eichel [of the Golden Knights] was sitting there laughing at us at the same table."

He added, “Obviously, we’re in a much better spot now [since] a lot of us aren’t as injured. We’re not nursing things and we’re obviously more optimistic being the winners.”

Ekblad was one of the key players that helped the Panthers in their quest to beat the Oilers and clinch their first Stanley Cup. The 28-year-old 6-foot-4 defenseman racked up six points through a goal and five assists in 24 playoff games with a plus/minus of +4.

The Panthers will kick off the upcoming season at home against the Boston Bruins in Amerant Bank Arena. The matchup will be held on October 8.