The last few days have been pretty nervous for the Florida Panthers fans. After Sam Bennett landed a massive new deal with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champs, many were eager to see what GM Bill Zito had in store for the rest of the stars who were en route to free agency. Among them, the blue line star Aaron Ekblad‘s future was a hotly discussed topic. But now, the Sunrise loyalists can finally rest easy.

The Panthers have finally put pen to paper and come up with a new contract for Ekblad. But, to be honest, that isn’t much of a surprise. The Canadian defensive mastermind had posted 33 points in 56 regular-season games and 13 points in the playoffs to help the Cats retain the Cup in Miami. Naturally, the Atlantic Division heavyweights’ determination to keep Ekblad around for longer wasn’t difficult to comprehend.

In a post by the official Panthers X account from June 30, Ekblad’s latest NHL update was shared. “EKKY’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE!” reads the thunderous caption of the post. As per reports, the blueliner will stick around in Sunrise, Florida, for another 8 years. Though the financial terms of the new contract have not been revealed yet, this is undoubtedly news that will make the Panthers fans happy, knowing that their defensive stalwart will continue his NHL career with them for the years to come.

“Aaron is a pillar of our defense who has consistently excelled at both ends of the ice as one of the best defensemen in the NHL over the past decade,” said general manager Zito about the Panthers’ No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft. “Aaron’s consummate leadership on and off the ice has been integral to our team’s success,” the GM said further about Ekblad, who won the Calder Cup in his rookie campaign.

Well, it’s not like this was entirely unexpected. Ekblad’s career-high 13 points in this year’s playoffs led the Panthers’ blueliners. That’s not all, Aaron’s 33 points in the regular season were also the best score posted by any of the Cats’ defensemen before embarking on the postseason. Obviously, Ekblad knew that it was a special campaign.

After lifting the Stanley Cup on June 17 after beating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6, the blueliner was justifiably elated. “It’s a special team, a special organization, from top to bottom. Everybody just does the work every day,” Ekblad lauded the Cats’ work ethic after being crowned back-to-back Cup champions. Naturally, when Jeff Marek fueled rumors about the defenseman’s possible move to Utah, fans were anxious to see if Bill Zito would just sit idly and let it happen.

Thankfully, Ekblad also wasn’t one to wish for his departure from the camp that has brought his unlimited NHL exploits. “I’ve spent 11 years here, and that’s more than I’ve spent in any home or city in my life. So it’s home, and I expect it to be home,” he said as UFA loomed overhead. Quite a statement to note your hopes of lingering around! And now, along with the fans, Aaron can also breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he will continue to don the Panthers’ jersey all the way through 2033.

But he isn’t the only Florida superstar who will be sticking around!

Aaron Ekblad will be in good company for the foreseeable future

Just a couple of days ago, forward Sam Bennett landed a thunderous 8-year deal with the Florida Panthers. After becoming the Cats’ all-time top postseason goalscorer with 15 goals in this year’s playoffs, Bennett’s new contract underscored the Miami team’s resolve to maintain their offensive edge. However, the $64 million contract handed to the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner also put a question mark on the Panthers’ financial strength to retain the likes of Ekblad and the former Bruins captain Brad Marchand.

Luckily, it seems like things have panned out rather well for the champs. As per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the 37-year-old Marchand is also going to continue playing for the Panthers for another tenure. Per the NHL insider, the Canadian winger has agreed to a six-year extension with Florida, in exchange for just under $32 million, with a $5.3 million AAV.

If the contract with Marchand indeed comes through, the Panthers will have retained all of their core players who helped them become the champs for the second straight season. So, how do you think Aaron Ekblad & Co. will give back to the team that has shown such faith in their talents with the hockey stick? How do you think this enhances the Cats’ chances of bagging the elusive three-peat? Share your opinion with us below!