Aleksander Barkov gives Paul Maurice elite value as the Florida Panthers' best contract, while Aaron Ekblad draws the harshest label.
NHL Forum selected Barkov's 8-year agreement at a $10,000,000 average annual value as Florida's strongest deal.
The ranking lists Barkov at the midway point of that contract. Even with a major cap charge, his role as captain and top-line center keeps the commitment looking valuable.
Barkov drives play in every situation, handles difficult matchups and gives Maurice a dependable option when Florida needs control through the middle.
Aaron Ekblad landed on the opposite side. His 8-year extension carries a $6,100,000 average annual value, with the ranking showing 1 season completed.
Calling that Florida's worst contract is more about the Panthers' roster strength than an obvious financial disaster. A competitive team can have a weakest deal without carrying a truly damaging one.
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Aaron Ekblad just received the worst possible contract verdict in Florida
The annual gap between Barkov and Ekblad is $3,900,000, yet their contracts create different expectations because of position, age and remaining term.
Barkov is already established as the player Florida's structure runs through. His value isn't limited to scoring, giving him several ways to justify the cap hit.
Ekblad's agreement is built on durability and continued top-four impact. Florida needs him moving pucks, defending the crease and handling difficult minutes deep into the contract.
That's where the concern sits. A long deal for a defenseman can become uncomfortable if mobility declines or his deployment drops before the final seasons arrive.
Bill Zito still secured Ekblad below Barkov's number, preserving room around a core designed to remain competitive. The real test is whether Ekblad maintains a role matching the term.
The ranking also shows how strong Florida's contract picture remains. Its supposed worst deal belongs to an experienced defenseman at $6,100,000, not a fringe player consuming top-pair money.
Barkov remains the easy choice at the top. Ekblad now has years to push back against the other label and prove that Florida's weakest contract can still deliver winning value.
Is Aaron Ekblad really carrying Florida's worst contract?
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