NHL Rumors: Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Vancouver Canucks

Should the Florida Panthers trade Aaron Ekblad?

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: If the Florida Panthers want to re-sign pending UFAs Brandon Montour and Sam Reinhart, they may have to consider the idea of ​​trading defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be adding an assistant coach soon

First UP (TSN Radio): Darren Dreger said former New York Islanders coach Lane Lambert may join the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff.

There are no discussions for Brendan Smith yet

Ryan Novozinsky: New Jersey Devils pending free agent Brendan Smith said they have not started contract negotiations yet.

The Vancouver Canucks will have some big decisions to make this offseason

Thomas Drance of the Athletic: Defenseman Filip Hronek is a pending RFA with arbitration rights and will seek a large contract this offseason. He fits right in next to Quinn Hughes. The Canucks would like to keep him but at what cost?

The Canucks need to add another offense and there are interesting names that can be found on the trade market – Mitch Marner (Maple Leafs), Nikolaj Ehlers (Jets), and Martin Necas (Hurricanes). The Canucks should consider moving some of their future assets this offseason.

The Canucks have a list of pending UFAs including Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Tyler Myers, Ian Cole, and Dakota Joshua. They will have to put themselves first. After free agency opens, they should remain patient and see what value comes their way. It should be team players who want to play.

Forward Ilya Mikheyev should not be bought. He has two years left at $4.75 million. Can they trade the contract for some savings? The buyout will save them $3.2 million next year and $2.2 million the year after but cost them $1.55 million over the next two years. The Canucks already have dead cap money with Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

There are Group VI UFAs who might interest the Canucks for added depth – right-hander Nick Blankenburg (Blue Jackets) and forward Ben Meyers (Ducks).

Other possible non-tendered RFAs could include Eeli Tolvanen, Erik Brannstrom, Jake Bean, Jacob Bryson and possibly Timothy Liljegren.