Panthers' Aaron Ekblad Opens Up on Free Agency Expectations
Panthers' Aaron Ekblad Opens Up on Free Agency Expectations originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Aaron Ekblad has played his entire career with the Florida Panthers since being selected first overall in 2014, but his time in Sunrise might come to an end on July 1, when his current contract will expire.
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Ekblad remains a key piece on the Panthers' blue line after logging 24 minutes per game this postseason while scoring 13 points across 19 games en route to a second straight Stanley Cup with Florida.
The blueliner isn't planning to leave Florida, but with July fast approaching, the Panthers and their longest-tenured player still haven't reached an agreement for a contract extension to keep him in tow for the future.
'Conversations have been had,' Ekblad said, per Jameson Olive of NHL.com. 'Obviously, nothing material yet, but they'll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here.'
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Ekblad said he wants to stay in Sunrise and made his intentions clear.
'I've spent 11 years here," Ekblad said. "It's home, and I expect it to be home.'
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) calls out to teammates during a 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs game.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Earlier this season, in March, Ekblad was suspended 20 games for a violation of the NHL's performance-enhancing substances policy and missed time before the Panthers' latest postseason run.
Still, both sides appear intent on continuing the partnership. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that he expects the Panthers to sign Ekblad to a lower-money, longer-term type of deal.
"They are going to try," Friedman wrote. "He's 29, and has battled some pretty serious injuries. This is a situation where you could see the Panthers giving term to keep down the AAV.
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"In a perfect world, they'd happily keep him, but you can't hold on to everyone, and anyone who looks that good in a headband will have suitors."
Related: Elliotte Friedman Hints at Sam Bennett's Price Tag Before Free Agency
Related: NHL Insiders Disagree on Possible Brad Marchand Offseason Destination
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
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