June 30, 2025 | 3:15pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

EKBLAD SIGNS 8-YEAR CONTRACT WITH FLORIDA

Aaron Ekblad, defenceman

The Florida Panthers have locked up star defenceman Aaron Ekblad to an eight-year, $48.8 million contract.

Ekblad, 29, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday, but the two sides made concessions in order to get this deal done before July 1.

As TFP reported on Sunday, the Panthers had been trying to get Ekblad signed to a deal worth between $6 million and $7 million per season, depending on term.

With Florida willing to go eight-years, Ekblad was willing to take a smaller average annual value.

Ekblad picked up three goals and added 30 assists for 33 points in 56 games with the Panthers this past season, helping them capture their second-straight Stanley Cup championship.