Florida Panthers lock in Aaron Ekblad with bold and game changing eight-year extension before free agency
Florida Panthers lock in Aaron Ekblad with bold and game changing eight-year extension before free agency (Image via Getty)
A big decision has been made by one of the top players from the Florida Panthers. Just one day before NHL free agency opens, fans were unsure what his next move would be. There were rumors, but no official word.
Now, everything is clear. The Florida Panthers have locked in one of their most important names, and it's a big move for the team and the player heading into the new season.
Aaron Ekblad signs eight-year deal to stay with Florida Panthers
On Monday, July 1, 2025, Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad agreed to an eight-year contract extension with the team. The deal is worth $6.1 million per season, keeping him in Florida through 2033. ESPN and TSN both confirmed the news. Ekblad, 29, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday but chose to stay with the team instead.
Ekblad has been with the Panthers since 2014, when he was picked first overall in the NHL Draft. Over 10 seasons, he's scored 118 goals and 380 points in 732 regular-season games. Though his point totals have dropped in the last two years, his role remains important. He plays more than 23 minutes per game and is trusted on both the power play and penalty kill.
This past season, Ekblad was suspended for 20 games after violating the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancement substances program.
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That suspension carried into the playoffs. But once the playoffs started, he came back strong. He scored four goals and 13 points in 19 games as the Panthers won their second straight Stanley Cup title. The final win came against the Edmonton Oilers.
Aaron Ekblad's new deal keeps Panthers' core together
Aaron Ekblad's contract is another sign that Florida wants to keep its top players. Earlier this month, general manager Bill Zito also signed Sam Bennett to an eight-year, $64 million contract.
Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy this year as the most valuable player in the playoffs.
According to PuckPedia, the Panthers now have around $4.9 million left in salary cap space for the 2025-26 season. Fans are now waiting to see if forward Brad Marchand will also get a new deal.
Also Read:
Vegas Golden Knights Land Mitch Marner In Blockbuster Trade With Maple Leafs And Sign 8-Year Deal
Brad Marchand was added at the trade deadline and scored 10 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games. Aaron Ekblad's decision means the Panthers' blue line will stay strong for years to come.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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