Aaron Ekblad’s Panthers Teammate Reveals How A lot Cash Stanley Cup Champ Left On The Desk With $48.8 Million Contract
Aaron Ekblad might have examined the open market. As an alternative, he stayed put.
The Florida Panthers defenseman agreed to an eight-year, $48.8 million contract simply hours earlier than changing into a free agent. The deal, which carries a mean annual worth of $6.1 million, ensures that one of many NHL’s high blueliners stays in Dawn for the foreseeable future.
Aaron Ekblad Commits to Panthers With Staff-Pleasant Contract Extension
The choice wasn’t made evenly. In response to teammate Sam Bennett, Ekblad simply might have earned upwards of $9 million per yr elsewhere.
“It simply exhibits how badly we need to be a part of that workforce, how badly we need to preserve profitable,” Bennett stated in a current interview, talking in regards to the trio of himself, Brad Marchand, and Ekblad re-signing.
“I imply, it’s addicting. It really is addicting being part of this workforce that we’ve there.”
The Panthers have been going through tight wage cap constraints after profitable back-to-back Stanley Cups. With a number of gamers set to hit free company, administration had restricted room to maneuver.
Nonetheless, the workforce locked in Bennett with a $64 million deal, adopted by Ekblad’s extra modest contract. It’s an indication of mutual dedication from the gamers and the entrance workplace.
Regardless of hypothesis a couple of potential transfer, reportedly involving curiosity from the Utah Mammoth, Ekblad made it clear he by no means supposed to go away. “It all the time was Florida,” he advised Florida Hockey Now.
Aaron Ekblad is speaking with media now after signing his #FlaPanthers extension.
“It was all the time Florida. Florida is residence now.” pic.twitter.com/36gEIDoDIa
— Jordan McPherson (@J_McPherson1126) July 1, 2025
The 29-year-old has spent his total NHL profession with the Panthers, racking up 380 factors throughout 732 video games and profitable two Stanley Cups.
Ekblad’s Function Cemented in Panthers’ Future
Ekblad’s loyalty to the Florida Panthers isn’t simply symbolic; it’s strategic. Whereas he would possibly’ve commanded extra money elsewhere, the worth of staying with a profitable, tight-knit core outweighed the advantages of chasing a bigger deal.
His new contract encompasses a full no-movement clause for the primary six years and a modified clause thereafter. It’s a transfer that provides Ekblad long-term safety and retains a confirmed playoff performer within the Panthers’ lineup.
He led all Florida defensemen with 13 factors on this yr’s playoffs and continues to anchor each ends of the ice.
Off the ice, Ekblad is equally impactful. Basic Supervisor Invoice Zito known as him “a pillar of our protection,” praising his management since getting into the league because the No. 1 total decide in 2014. Ekblad’s roots in South Florida run deep.
“Nineteen years is a very long time, particularly with one franchise, and I’ve a lot pleasure and nonetheless a number of expectations for my profession in these eight years,” he stated. For him, the choice wasn’t nearly hockey. It was private.
