Aaron Ekblad Re-signs with Panthers on Eight-Year Deal \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Defenseman Aaron Ekblad has re-signed with the Florida Panthers on an eight-year, $48.8 million deal. Averaging $6.1 million per season, the extension solidifies Florida’s defensive core alongside Seth Jones and Gustav Forsling. The team continues to shore up its championship roster following Sam Bennett’s return.
The Florida Panthers have made a pivotal offseason move by re-signing cornerstone defenseman Aaron oak leaf to an eight-year contract worth $48.8 millionlocking in one of their most trusted and experienced blue-liners through the 2032-33 season. The deal, which averages $6.1 million per yearwas confirmed to The Associated Press by sources familiar with the negotiation who spoke on condition of anonymity, as the deal had yet to be publicly announced.
This contract reflects a mutual commitment between the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions and a player who has spent his entire career in South Florida. Drafted first overall in 2014, Ekblad has become the defensive backbone of a team that has evolved from a perennial underperformer into an NHL powerhouse. At just 29 years old, he still has prime years ahead, and the length and structure of the deal suggest a strong belief from the organization that he will continue to perform at an elite level deep into the decade.
Ekblad’s decision to re-sign with the Panthers instead of testing free agency underscores his loyalty and desire to continue competing for championships with the team that drafted him. His new deal also represents something of a hometown discount; his previous contract paid him $7.5 million annually, and he potentially left money on the table to help the team remain cap-flexible. This gesture is especially significant given the franchise’s effort to maintain its championship core amidst an increasingly competitive salary cap landscape.
The Panthers had already re-signed playoff MVP Sam Bennett in a similarly team-friendly deal, signaling a trend of selfless buy-in from top players in the pursuit of sustained success. Together with recent long-term commitments to Seth Jones and Gustav Forslingthe Panthers now boast one of the most stable and formidable top-four defensive groups in the NHL. The only remaining piece is Niko Mikkolawho has one year left on his current deal and is widely expected to be extended soon, completing a defensive unit built for dominance.
This aggressive strategy is rooted in Florida’s ambitions to build a dynasty. With back-to-back championships and a well-balanced roster, keeping players like Ekblad ensures continuity and leadership both on and off the ice. Ekblad’s presence provides a stabilizing force for younger players and serves as a symbol of the Panthers’ identity: tough, dependable, and built for postseason success.
While Ekblad’s future is now secure, attention shifts to Brad Marchandthe veteran forward whose contract status remains in limbo. Marchand, 37, could hit free agency as early as Tuesday if the Panthers are unable to strike a last-minute deal. Although he’s in the twilight of his career, Marchand remains a valuable contributor and would be a notable loss if he departs.
Meanwhile, the rest of the league has been active ahead of the free agency opening. The Minnesota Wild made a notable acquisition by landing Vladimir Tarasenkoa two-time Stanley Cup winner, from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations. Tarasenko, 33, was instrumental in Florida’s latest championship run and previously helped the St. Louis Blues win the Cup in 2019. He enters the final year of his deal with a manageable $4.75 million cap hit.
The New York Islanders also made a significant retention move by re-signing Alexander Romanov to an eight-year, $50 million deal, locking in one of their key young defensemen. Romanov’s new deal carries an average annual value of $6.25 million and ensures long-term blue-line stability for a team looking to return to playoff contention.
In a separate transaction, the Utah Mammoth traded forward Madias Maccella to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a conditional 2027 third-round pick. The pick will upgrade to a second-rounder in 2029 if Maccelli scores over 51 points and the Leafs make the playoffs in 2025. Utah GM Bill Armstrong praised Maccelli as “a great person, consummate professional,” reflecting the emotional and strategic dimensions of the move.
The NHL offseason is off to a fast and high-impact start. The Panthers’ extension of Ekblad not only preserves a foundational player but also sends a message: Florida is not just content with back-to-back Cups—they’re building for long-term supremacy. With roster stability, a strong leadership group, and a championship culture, the Panthers are positioning themselves as the NHL’s next great dynasty.
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Aaron Ekblad Re-Signs
