Panthers Re-Sign Defenseman Aaron Ekblad

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad and the Florida Panthers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension, according to multiple reports.

The deal spans eight seasons and carries a $6.1M AAV, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

Ekblad, 29, was drafted first overall by the Panthers in 2014 and was set to become a free agent on July 1.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion holds numerous Panthers defense records, including most games (732), goals (118) and points (380).

Set to become the top available defenseman on the market, Ekblad could’ve made more money elsewhere. But, the 11-year Panther veteran made it clear that he wanted to stay in South Florida.

“I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers,” Ekblad said at Stanley Cup Final media day. “I bleed for the Florida Panthers. I’ve given my body and everything to this team. I want to keep doing it forever, for as long as they’ll let me keep coming to the rink.”

Florida has locked up both Ekblad and Sam Bennett on max-term deals before the pair could hit the open market as pending free agents. Their contracts run through the 2032-33 season.

The Panthers have approximately $4.9M of remaining cap space after the signings.